Parents desire full bus funding
Published on April 21st, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Busing was again the main area of discussion at last Thursday's School Committee meeting, with many parents in attendance to voice their support for full funding of the service in the 1999/2000 school year instead of the partial funding which was endorsed in the Draft 6 School Department budget two weeks ago.
At a financial summit meeting with members of the Finance and Advisory Board, Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting on April 8, a vote was taken to grant $69,000 for busing in the next school year with the remainder of the $120,000 estimated cost for service left up to parents.
According to Superintendent Joseph Connelly, this was done despite the fact that the School Department expects its $17,575,000 fiscal year 2000 budget to fall about $100,000 short of what is actually needed. This funding, he stated, was promised to the School Department at the summit and will be allocated, with approval by voters, at October's Special Town Meeting.
With approximately $50,000 for busing expected to be accumulated through user fees, Connelly said that parents would have to pay about $195 for service to one child, $295 for two and $350 for service to three or more students.
"At $195, that's about $20 a month for a ride to and from school," the superintendent said.
Connelly also said that it was possible that a scholarship for lower income families and a one way fee schedule could be established to ease the burden on parents. He cautioned, however, that doing so may heighten the impact on other parents.
"I think the intent is to be as flexible (about the bills) as possible so that as many parents who want busing can get it," School Committee member Steven Gucciardi said.
Some parents in attendance, however, stated that they wanted full funding. The issue of inadequate sidewalks throughout the town was again raised as a safety hazard for the children of parents who either can not or choose not to pay the fee.
"It seems to me that you're so concerned about kids crossing (Route) 28, but how about the child walking to school where there aren't any sidewalks," said Broadway resident Joanne Tortorici, who has led the busing crusade since funding was cut by the School Committee last year. "To ensure safety, we don't come together to look out for them.
"I don't think parents should pay for busing."
"I believe our responsibility is in the classroom," said School Committee Chairperson Jeanne Craigie - a statement which has come up time and time again in discussions of busing. "I think what it comes down to is, is it a bus or it a teacher?"
Tortorici responded by saying, "I certainly don't want to have larger classrooms. I'm thinking about Sally or John... who have to walk. We (parents) can barely afford our taxes and now you want to throw busing at us to make sure that our kids can get to school safely."
One parent agreed, saying, "Where does it end. The bills go up every single year. I realize that everything goes up and costs more, but I don't understand why this town can't get 350 kids to school every day."
School Committee member Steven Gucciardi explained that he had voted to cut busing at last year's School Committee meeting, but had changed his mind after a thorough review of the Stoneham landscape.
"I've driven around and have looked at some of the streets our children have to walk on and, essentially, I've done an about face in the past year. I wish there were more money. There isn't. We sharpened our pencils to see where we could make some cuts; to stick our necks out," Gucciardi said.
"But, right now... I'm going to go forward on the basis of what we're planning right now. I don't think we're going to go any further (with funding for busing)."
Tortorici, who has put an article on the Annual Town Meeting ballot to secure full funding for busing, will likely go to the meeting seeking the $51,000 which is not covered by the School Department.
She was advised by School Committee members that she must pinpoint an area in the municipal or school budget that this funding would come from. The School Committee has yet to take a stance on the article.
In other School Committee business:
• The School Committee voted to appoint Jeanne Craigie as chairperson for the next year and Steven Gucciardi as vice chair. The two flip-flopped positions with Gucciardi stepping down as chairman and Craigie moving up a notch from vice chair.
"It's my belief that we have a dedicated team of board members," Craigie said after the gavel was handed to her. "All members believe in the quality of public education. These are really exciting times in Stoneham. My philosophy has always been putting the child and education first."
• The School Committee unanimously endorsed its seventh and final budget at the meeting. The figure of $17,575,000 stands to be a 4.3 percent increase over last year's appropriation.
• The School Committee again voted down school choice. This concept would have allowed students from out of town to enter the Stoneham school system. Gucciardi made the motion, saying that current high attendance would make the program inadequate for the coming school year.
• After a lengthy debate, the School Committee voted 3 to 2 in favor of allowing the Stoneham Middle School to charge a $25 user fee and create four intramural after school activities.
Connelly explained that the four activities (golf, aerobics, weight lifting and floor hockey) would cost approximately $500 each, and that it was hoped that 20 students would sign up for each. If a lower number of students actually signed up, the program would not run, he said.
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