Pearl River Residents Raise Busing Concerns Again

The Pearl River School District Board of Education held its meeting of the school year Tuesday evening.

The board began with a reception for new Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano, who spent the last eight years as assistant superintendent of the distirct.

“We are actually very lucky to have Dr. Morgano,” said School Board President Michael J. Clohessy. “It is a seamless fit for us. He knows the job and he has a tremendous background. Speaking for the board, we are all very fortunate to have him.”

Tuesday's reception and meeting were moved to the Pearl River High School library because Pirate Cove was being used as a voting center for the primaries.

For the second consecutive Pearl River school board meeting, the new bus zone restrictions that were implemented this year were a major topic of discussion. About a dozen concerned citizens of Pearl River spoke up on varying issues with the changes that left their children without rides to and from schools, which was approved by voters in Pearl River in May. Some felt that voting for the changes to bussing should not have been lumped in with the budget vote.

“We want to approve your budget because we trust you and want to help improve our children’s education," said one resident. "People weren’t aware of what they were voting on. I’m a teacher in a neighboring school district. I trust you. I would never in a million years have thought you would make a child where my child lives walk to school."

Others were more concerned about the safety of the roads their children are now expected to walk on. Townline Road and Sickeltown Road were both cited as unfit for children to be walking down, especially in the winter weather.

Clohessy reminded everone that the best option for those who wanted the new busing restrictions reversed, something that had been explained at the previous meeting.

“If you don’t like the busing, come to the next board meeting with a petition,” said Clohessy. “You need the signatures of 93 of your fellow residents and it will go on the May budget vote. For this year, it’s a done deal.”

The district already had to address delays in bus arrivals so far this school year. Those delays kept some children on their school bus for up to two hours last week.

“Based on yesterday and today, it looks like the transportation issues have been resolved,” Morgano said. “There are 18 bus drivers in our district and only five returned from last year. There is no excuse for what happened. It’s not acceptable.”

The next Pearl River Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pirate Cove. The board strongly encouraged attendance to prevent confusion on any future votes or issues.