WEST VALLEY -- For some West Valley students, getting to class means walking a fine line. There's no sidewalks at Apple Valley Elementary, leaving students as young as 5 walking inches from traffic. At West Valley Middle and Junior High, it's the same deal on Zier Rd. One student told us he's come close to getting hit.

"I know there's no funding, but as I drive down Tieton and see all the other schools have sidewalks, I'm wondering why it's not available for kids out here," says parent Helen Faringer.

She says the intersection at 72nd and Mead Aves. is another big problem. There's no traffic light, and students must cross four lanes of cars. Drivers are supposed to break for crossers, but sometimes they whiz right on by. Faringer and other parents want the city to make things safer.

City traffic engineer Joan Davenport acknowledges there is a big problem, especially at the elementary school. She says the money just isn't there.

"There's no identified state or federal money, and certainly no local pot of money," says Davenport. "A sidewalk could easily be over $100,000."

But she says school safety is a big priority, and the city will continue to apply for grant money to fund the projects.

Parents hope it doesn't take a serious accident to get something done.

"As a parent I wonder, what price can you put on the life of a child?" asks Faringer.    

Under today's city building standards the schools would be required to have sidewalks, but West Valley was still county land when the schools were built.