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Mother asks Gates Chili board to reconsider denied private‑school transportation request
Summary
A parent told the board her late transportation request was submitted May 12 after divorce and custody proceedings and the expected deployment of the child’s father; she asked the district to apply New York State guidance allowing reconsideration for late applications and to provide transport due to her son’s developmental needs.
Alexandria Lewis, who identified herself as the mother of a kindergartner who completed kindergarten at Neil Armstrong Elementary, urged the Gates Chili Central School District Board of Education to reconsider a denied private‑school transportation request. Lewis said the request was submitted on May 12 after she finalized divorce and custody arrangements that required giving the child’s father time to weigh in; she also said the child's father will be deployed with the U.S. military for the majority of the 2026–27 school year.
Lewis said the denial followed a late submission and asked the board to apply the portion of New York State guidance she cited that "states no late request shall be denied where reasonable explanation is provided." She described managing two young children, noted her son has developmental delays and said the family intends to rely on school transportation next year. "We are asking that our community also shows up for us so that E can access the educational path our family has chosen for him during this very challenging time," Lewis told the board.
Brenda Fendri, identifying herself as a neighbor and former Gates Chili student, spoke in support of Lewis and asked the board to consider transporting the child so he can continue his education at the private school the family selected.
Board members accepted these public comments during the visitors'‑comments portion of the reorganizational meeting. The hearing transcript records the appeals and supporting statements but does not include a board decision on the transportation request during the meeting segments provided.
Speakers quoted: Alexandria Lewis (parent) and Brenda Fendri (neighbor).
