Parent urges board to approve bus transfer for daughter; superintendent to follow up

Jessica Simon, a district resident, addressed the Valley Stream 24 Board of Education during public comment to ask that her daughter Zoe be allowed to ride the same bus this fall as her son to St. Mary's Elementary School in Manhasset.

"I'm here today pleading my case to get my daughter Zoe school bus transportation to Manhasset this fall," Simon said, explaining she missed the district's April 1 transportation application deadline and had submitted notarized paperwork after the deadline. She said she had spoken with district staff (Valley Stream Central High School transportation) and was advised the district typically does not make exceptions for late applications but that she was directed to appeal to the state office, which suggested she present her case to the board.

Superintendent Dr. Caracas responded on the record, acknowledging the concern and noting that Dr. Mitchell, the district's transportation official, was present. "Immediately following the meeting, if you can, have a conversation with him, and I will also follow‑up with you, regarding next steps," the superintendent said.

The transcript does not record a board vote or formal decision on the request. The superintendent's offer to arrange a post‑meeting conversation and follow‑up was the board's only substantive response during the meeting. Simon said the lack of transportation would pose a hardship to her family if an exception is not granted.

What happens next: according to the transcript, Ms. Simon and the transportation director are to meet after the meeting and the superintendent will follow up with her about any available appeal or exception process.