Parents urge board to revisit 'courtesy' busing routes and consider targeted subsidies after routes cut

Multiple residents used the public comment period to press the board on recent courtesy busing decisions, saying some students face dangerous walking routes and that program costs create a financial burden for families.

"I need the busing. Part of the reason why I chose where I live was because I did get buses to all the different elementary schools," said Melissa Whitrayal, who asked the board to be transparent if the business administrator reposting includes a salary increase and to consider compensating parents who pay for courtesy busing if advertising or other revenue is used.

Resident Mike Nelsas described a specific stretch, Robbinsville Edinburgh Road, as "one of the most dangerous roads here" with no shoulder and traffic at 60 mph, and urged the board to "actually walk the routes" before requiring children to walk them.

Bridal Tucker, a Robbinsville resident planning to move into a nearby new development, said there are no safe sidewalks to Sharon Elementary and asked the district to "look into the courtesy busing" for that development and to consider limiting screen‑based instruction and review i‑Ready data privacy concerns.

Facilities committee reporting earlier in the meeting noted strong participation in subscription bussing for 2026–27 "with over 100 students already registered," and the business administrator explained the rental‑funded snow plow trucks and certain vehicles are paid from facility rental or contract reimbursement funds rather than the taxpayer general fund.

Board members did not vote on a change to busing policy at the May 19 meeting; multiple public commenters requested further district review of specific walking routes, route loading efficiency, and whether part‑time or targeted busing options could lower costs for families.