Parents, bus drivers push back against changes to transportation policy at Tarrytown Schools
The new policy states that transportation for private and parochial students will only happen on days when public school is in session.
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Parents and bus drivers in Tarrytown are upset following the approval of a new transportation policy.
"It's a child care issue," says Dione Tapia Galarza, a parent. "Then it has to be more money out of my pocket."
Galarza lives in Sleepy Hollow but daughter goes to private school.
Now, because of changes to the transportation policy at the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns, her daughter's transportation to and from school will be affected on certain days.
"She's going to be without bussing for about 10 to 15 days out of the school year. So that's going to be a big inconvenience," says Galarza.
School districts in New York are required to provide transportation to students in private and parochial schools within 15 miles of a student's home.
But, a state Court of Appeals affirmed that districts have no obligation to do this on days where transportation isn't provided to public school students.
According to this board policy from the school district, the Board of Education "determined that it is in the best interests" of the district to align with this.
So, transportation for private and parochial students will only happen on days when public school is in session.
"I do run the business and between my husband and I, I do take care of her, but at the same time, I do work full time," says Galarza.
Bus drivers will also be affected.
News 12 talked with one driver who asked to remain anonymous and not have her face shown on camera out of fear of retaliation.
"They're cutting our hours. The kids are getting affected," says the driver.
The bus driver says there are many reasons why it's important to her to get these extra hours.
"That give us extra money. We're not off that week or that two weeks that those kids are not going to school," says the bus driver.
News 12 reached out to the Board of Education.
Cecelia Gordon, the board president, said they don't have a statement at this time to share.
They plan to listen to community members to better understand their concerns.
