I am writing as a concerned parent to express my deep disappointment regarding the ongoing lack of transportation for away games across Durango’s middle school athletic programs. This has placed an unfair burden on families and has deeply affected students who have worked hard to represent their schools and communities.
It is especially disheartening to see that while the high school football team continues to receive charter buses for travel, middle school athletes are left scrambling for rides or, in many cases, unable to attend their competitions altogether. This disparity sends a troubling message – that some programs and students are valued more than others. Middle school sports are a vital steppingstone in student development, building confidence, teamwork and a sense of belonging. When transportation is denied, these students lose opportunities to compete, grow and feel supported by their district.
I understand that transportation resources are limited and that scheduling and driver shortages pose real challenges. However, fairness and consistency should remain at the core of our decisions. If the district can afford charter buses for high school football, then surely some effort can be made to provide equitable transportation solutions for middle school athletes as well.
I urge the district to take immediate steps to address this imbalance and prioritize solutions – whether through driver recruitment, better scheduling or partnerships with local transportation providers. All students, regardless of age or sport, deserve the opportunity to participate fully and safely in extracurricular activities.
Michael Johnston
Durango
