Kudos to the parent who blocked out the noise at Seneca Valley School District’s meeting on Monday to offer suggestions to the bus driver shortage.

Thank you for voicing your opinion, but in a way that encourages conversation, instead of polarization.

In a story published earlier this week about Monday’s meeting, SVSD parent Emily Droesch didn’t have good things to say about the district’s bus driver shortage or its “inelegant solution” that has drivers finish one route to return for another, picking up more students on a second route.

The process transports the same number of students with fewer drivers, but also means some children in the mornings may not arrive in time for breakfast at school, and in the afternoon may return home later than usual.

She wasn’t happy, but it should be noted that she brought suggestions instead of a pitchfork.

Could we rotate children on the routes?

Could we make sure all students have access to breakfast — no matter when they arrive?

What about advertising the incentives for bus drivers on a larger platform than the district’s website?

Perhaps someone has already thought of these questions. Perhaps it’s not possible to rotate children on routes or convenient to offer breakfast later into the morning.

But what if these things weren’t considered?

Her comments came at a meeting with Seneca Valley superintendent Tracy Vitale, who asked the community for cafeteria, transportation and teaching help. She pleaded with the public to contact the district’s HR department if anyone can help as a substitute teacher, substitute custodian, bus driver or cafeteria worker.

Further, her comments came at the same meeting where another speaker likened wearing a mask to the death of George Floyd, who was murdered by a police officer who pressed his knee into the back of Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds.

One person who reached out via social media to the Butler Eagle after the meeting reacted by saying, “What’s wrong with people ... Regardless of what side you fall on, this is repulsive.”

If you pour gasoline on a fire, you shouldn’t be surprised when you get burnt.

But when you approach a “hot” topic with care, there’s a chance that you can make a difference, get the fire under control.

Our reporter put Droesch’s approach well, “Rather than simply airing grievances, however, she suggested alternative solutions.”

That’s the difference. That’s a tone that can get us past the polarization and to conversation. The other, not so much.

— TAL