Plainedge parents approve plan to expand bus service for high school students
The district superintendent said the expansion was driven by safety concerns.
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The change will shrink the district's no-bus zone from 1.5 miles to about 7/10 of a mile, making 182 additional students eligible for transportation.
Parents in the Plainedge School District have approved a plan to expand bus service for high school students.
The proposal, approved Tuesday, will reduce the district's current no-bus, or walk zone, from 1 1/2 miles to about 7/10 of a mile. As a result, an additional 182 students will become eligible for busing.
"The whole point is they are safely getting home," said Mirella Gilhooly, of Plainedge.
Not every Long Island student receives bus transportation to and from school, and many students walk. Supporters of the proposal say expanding bus service will help improve student safety.
"I know some parents that don’t have that option, and their kids are walking home from school. I think for safety and how things are nowadays, it’s important our kids are coming home," Gilhooly said.
Jake Ranneklev, of North Massapequa, said his daughter is currently inside the no-bus zone and would benefit from the change.
"I would like my high schooler, when she gets to high school, to have transportation. She has to cross over right now a busy road, so I’d like to have that transportation," Ranneklev said.
The district superintendent said the expansion was driven by safety concerns.
"Concerns about students walking to Plainedge High School. Some of the hazards they faced," said superintendent Christopher Zublionis.
The superintendent also said the district can expand service without increasing costs.
"The district and the transportation committee for the district and the board of education conducted a study last year. Part of the finding for that study was that it could be done without any additional drivers or costs," Zublionis said.
The plan is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 4, 2027.
