By Andrew Hackmack
District officials say the additional cost would be about $267,000.
Lauriel Morales, a parent at Willow Road School, said close to 200 parents signed a petition requesting this proposal be placed on the ballot. That was significantly more than the 111 signatures needed, a number based on last year-s budget vote turnout.
My main concern is safety, Morales said, noting that there is a lot of congestion in front of the schools every morning from parents dropping their children off. The high volume of traffic there makes it dangerous for those children who do walk to school, she said. Morales explained that if more kids could take the bus, this would cut down on the congestion.
Many parents simply don-t want their children walking to school, she explained. Some children would have to cross main roads such as Corona Avenue, Fletcher Avenue or Dutch Broadway to get to school. There can-t possibly be a crossing guard at every intersection, Morales said. Then there is always the concern of sex offenders.
Currently, District 13 provides busing for children in grades K-3 who live more than a half-mile away from the school. Children in grades 4-6 are eligible to receive transportation if they live at least a mile away. The proposal would make it a half-mile for everyone.
District 13 is the only one of Valley Stream-s three elementary districts to offer any level of transportation to and from district buildings. Because the original transportation plan was approved by voters, any changes also must get win voter support.
This is out of the Board of Education-s hand, board President Bill Stris said at last month-s budget workshop meeting. The Board of Education takes no stand for or against.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Meredith Brosnan said if the proposal were to be approved by voters, it would extend transportation to about 600 additional children.
Morales said she understands that busing is not cheap, but she feels the individual cost to taxpayers is reasonable. It comes down to two dollars a month, she said.
She said it makes no sense to have a bus going down certain streets of the district if it is only going to pick up half of the children. Morales said when her son enters fourth grade, he will not be eligible for transportation while her two younger children will get picked up right on her street. That is why she wants this policy to change and is hoping for support from District 13 voters.
The proposition will be on the ballot Tuesday, May 20 along with the District 13 budget, Central High School District budget and Board of Education candidates.
Comments about this story? AHackmack@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
