Suffern Central To Allow Some Private Schools to Transport Their Own Students

By Idy Perl

When local busing policies changed in 2016, hundreds of private school students were left without busing services. Despite numerous efforts over the years to allow those schools to provide their own busing, no resolution was able to be worked out between the school district and private schools.

That has all changed now due to Senator Weber’s advocacy efforts over the last year and a half. A new agreement has been reached that will reimburse several private schools to provide their own busing for 462 of the district's private school students starting September 1st, at no additional cost to the district. 

"Resolving the burden for hardworking, tax-paying parents has been a major priority since I entered office," Senator Weber said.  "I am grateful to have made a real difference in the resolution of many busing challenges in Suffern Central… Fortunately, our advocacy efforts achieved a favorable outcome for many families just in time for the new school year. Our efforts will continue until all families are satisfied with their busing needs."

Agudath Israel’s Rockland director, Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum, thanked Senator Weber and the Superintendent of Schools for the Suffern Central School District, Dr. Gunderson, for addressing the issue and finding a resolution.

"Thanks to Senator Weber's intervention, together with the collaborative efforts of Dr. Gunderson, the community united to find a solution to our transportation challenges,” Rabbi Greenbaum said. “Senator Weber's dedication and perseverance not only paid off for students and their families but is appreciated and valued by the entire community.”