New River Desert Hills Residents

TO:
DVUSD transportation director <Nick.Franklin@dvusd.org>

CC:
DVUSD superintendent <superintendent@dvusd.org>
DVUSD governing board members <Kim.Fisher@dvusd.org>
stephanie.simacek@dvusd.org
paul.carver@dvusd.org
steve.bottfeld@dvusd.org
karen.pack@dvusd.org
DVUSD transportation supervisor <daniel.schwertfager@dvusd.org>
Gavilan Peak School Principal <Kimberly.Elms@DVUSD.org>
Gavilan Peak Asst. Principal <denise.holmes@dvusd.org>
MCBOS <district3@maricopa.gov>
MCDOT <MCDOTProjects@maricopa.gov>
nrdhic@gmail.com

SUBJECT:
Urgent: Relocate Dangerous Bus Stop & End Left-Side Pickups

BODY:
Dear District Transportation Director,
CC: DVUSD Board Members, Superintendent, Principal of Gavilan Peak Elementary, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Maricopa County Dept. of Transportation

On January 30, 2025, a 12-year-old was critically injured crossing New River Road at 31st Avenue to board a school bus. High speeds, a blind curve, and no signage make this stop a known hazard—confirmed by a Maricopa County study recommending relocation to 29th Avenue. For years, parents have begged Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) to act. Yet, the district has declined, despite its handbook pledging a “safe learning environment” and a duty to address “unsafe conditions.”

National Highway Traffic Safety guidance also advises against left-side pickups on roads exceeding 35 mph. This tragedy demands change. We urge DVUSD to:

1. Move the bus stop to 29th Avenue, per county recommendations.
2. End left-side pickups where speed limits exceed 35 mph.
3. Partner with county officials for road safety upgrades.
4. Share a timeline for these changes with our community.

One injured child is too many. Please confirm receipt of this letter and outline DVUSD’s plan to ensure student safety. We stand ready to support your efforts.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Neighborhood, e.g., “New River Resident”]
[Your Contact Info]