Board approves subscription‑busing rate; public urges adoption of a parental 'bill of rights'

At its June meeting the Edison Township Board of Education approved routine finance, personnel and curriculum items and moved forward on a subscription‑busing program the transportation committee has been working to make financially sustainable.

The transportation committee report described options the district is reviewing: a subscription‑busing fee structure, potential purchase or lease of buses, using district drivers to reduce contractor costs, and maintenance strategies including hiring an additional certified mechanic and purchasing parts through cooperative agreements. The committee said several older buses are scheduled for retirement and estimated a new bus costs about $185,000. Administration told the board the parent portal for subscription busing is expected to open Monday, June 29, for a July open period and that routes will be offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

During public comment, Anthony Marroff (self‑identified) urged the board to adopt a parental "bill of rights" he said he had circulated to trustees. Marroff argued the measure would preserve parental authority and cited a recent court decision that he said supported provisions in the proposed policy; the board did not take an immediate vote on that request during the meeting. Other speakers asked the board to consider calendar adjustments for Passover and to clarify how subscription routes and seat availability will be communicated to families.

The board approved motions to accept personnel reports, administration/curriculum and finance items by roll‑call votes (motions carried), and the meeting adjourned.