Levittown talks transportation again

For the second straight month, transportation took center stage at the Levittown Board of Education meeting on Sept. 10. In addition to a follow-up on an August discussion about bus routes, concerns were also brought up about safety for students crossing Hempstead Turnpike.

Based on district policy, transportation is provided to all elementary and middle school students living at least three-quarters of a mile from their school. The limit doubles for high school students.

In the north end of the district, parents are concerned about the safety of children who do not receive bus service and have to cross Hempstead Turnpike, which is consistently rated one of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in the tri-state area. Students south of the turnpike have to cross the road to attend Division Avenue High School.

School district officials say that they must adhere to the mileage limits that were determined by voters, and cannot provide transportation to other students just because they have to cross a busy road. “The law does not permit the district to provide buses for specific areas,” board President Peggy Marenghi said. “Whatever the community has dictated us to do, that’s what we must do by law.”

Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald said that in order to ensure no students would have to cross Hempstead Turnpike to get to school, the limit would have to be lowered to a half mile.

Currently, the district provides transportation to nearly 3,300 students. If the mileage limit were reduced — which could only be done through a public referendum — that number would increase to more than 4,800 students. Transportation costs would rise from $5.5 million per year to $7.6 million. Marenghi said that would be an additional cost per home of $132 per year.

Parent Wendy Lantigua said the process to petition for a change is difficult, and should be made easier for parents. She noted that the current mileage limits also affect children who attend Wisdom Lane Middle School. “It’s not just about the kids on the south side,” she said. “The kids on the north side have to cross Hempstead Turnpike, too.”