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Parents raise heat, transportation and lunch-schedule concerns at East Ramapo board meeting
Summary
Public speakers told the board about children on buses without air conditioning, cafeteria lunch scheduling problems, a locker blocking an exit, and requests for support after a nearby fire; the superintendent pledged follow-up.
Several members of the public used the meeting’s public-speaking period to raise student-safety and welfare concerns, particularly about bus conditions, lunch scheduling and graduation logistics.
A parent described a child who returned from a bus ride “drenched in sweat, red, and thirsty” and said the bus driver refused to open windows even though the vehicle had no air conditioning. The parent said the incident affected multiple children and asked the district to ensure transportation contractors prioritize safety, including functioning seat belts and ventilation.
Another speaker raised the lunch schedule at the high schools, reporting students have only one period for lunch and asking the board to “rectify that.” The superintendent acknowledged the concern and said the district plans to repurpose space and review schedules, but that changes will require additional work and contract and scheduling adjustments and therefore may take more than one year to implement.
A parent asked about a locker at the Bridal School that reportedly obstructed an exit; the speaker asked administrators to check the situation.
A public speaker also asked whether the district could support the community response to a nearby fire affecting residents, noting the Village of Spring Valley was providing aid, and requested that the district open a drop-off site for donated goods or otherwise coordinate relief. DeCarlo said he had seen local relief efforts and that the district would consider coordination.
Superintendent DeCarlo said he would have transportation staff follow up on the bus-ventilation complaints and confirmed the district will provide water at graduations and has a backup indoor venue if inclement weather occurs.
Why this matters: The comments raise operational and safety questions about contracted transportation, cafeteria scheduling and emergency coordination—issues that affect student well-being and require administrative follow-up.
