As covered in this week’s Herald (see story here), parents of private school students met on Feb. 27 to sign a petition in opposition of the district’s proposed plan to provide public transportation instead of a yellow bus to the three additional schools.

One of their main concerns is the safety of the students using public transportation, especially when waiting on busy or quiet roads for the next bus to come. Heidenreich said the district has never had any safety issues with this program and when he spoke to the MTA safety officer and representatives from the Nassau County Police Department last year, they assured him public transportation is safe. However, much like the district did with the status of its building safety in January, Heidenreich suggested speaking to safety professionals on this matter.

Board members told those in the audience to come to the district’s PTA Legislative Breakfast on March 16 where local elected officials can answer questions and hear their concerns about district’s state aid.

On Tuesday, residents will have a chance to express their opinions before the board ultimately adopts its 2013-14 budget. Voters will have the final say when they hit the polls on May 21.