Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When would the new walk zones go into effect?
A: Any changes would go into effect at the start of the 2021-22 school year.
Q: What is the affected area of the Lawson neighborhood?
A: You can view a map from STA of the homes/neighborhood that now have sidewalks and children can safely walk or ride a bike to school.
Q: How is distance to/from school calculated?
A: Distance is measured on the public roads and over the most passable and safest route as determined by the area education agency.
Q: What is the state guideline for required student transportation?
A: The Iowa Code mandates that schools transport elementary students who live further than two miles from their school and secondary students who live three miles from their school.
Q: What distance is the Lawson walk zone?
A: It is a one-mile walk zone, the same as other Johnston elementary schools.
Q: What are safety hazards?
A: We define safety hazards as exceptionally busy roadways, areas that lack appropriate crosswalk signaling or neighborhoods where there are no sidewalks.
Q: How does this impact special education students and their bussing?
A: If students are entitled to special education bussing per their Individualized Education Plan, they will receive it regardless of how close or far away they live from their school.
Q: Will there be a crossing guard to help students get across busy streets?
A: Yes. The district is examining where having a crossing guard would benefit students to get safely to school.