Jun 11, 2009 7:14 pm US/Eastern
Battle Rages Over Walking To School In Commack
Ages And Distances Worked Into New Proposal That Has Some Scratching Heads; Vote On Issue Held Thursday
COMMACK, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Some school children on Long Island may find themselves walking to class. A plan to save cash could mean changes in bus routes. CBS 2 HD spoke to parents who are worried about the possible changes.
They were rushing to the polls in Commack on Thursday and children were trying to influence their parents' votes.
Some of the 5- and 6-year-olds expressed their love for the bus, while others said it's always nice to walk to school.
But Vincent Semprini's mom feels differently.
"I'm against the issue. I think it's unsafe," she said.
Commack School District officials said they came up with a plan to cut costs -- by increasing the school bus distance requirements.
Families of K-2, who live up to a quarter mile away from school, currently get a bus under the proposal. That distance would be increased to a half mile or more. Grades 3-8 would walk a mile and high school two or more miles.
"If I had to drive him I would," said parent Lisa Rizza. "But I certainly don't want him walking."
But the district said it would scale back on whopping transportation bills by more than $1 million and provide a tax break to families.
"I don't think it's a bad idea," one parent said.
"Exercise is good," added another.
"Maybe people at the top should cut their salaries," said a third.
Some parents said the plan would make things more difficult for working families and complain the savings are minimal -- an $83 tax reduction per average household.
"I don't think it's worth $83 per household – for the safety of our children and for the traffic it will cause," said parent Julie Petruzzi.
Students who would have to cross a four-lane roadway to get to school would be bused, regardless of distance requirements.
The community seems to be on edge waiting for Thursday night's voting results.
For a district that needs to cut costs, cut taxes, and keep core programs running, there are few options.
Voter turnout has been unexpectedly heavy. The school district hopes to post results by about 9 p.m.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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