Transportation Pilot Program in Suffern Area Discussed at Pivotal Meeting of Local Leaders

Rockland Daily Staff

The fourth in a series of meetings took place with leaders of the Suffern Central School District, Senator Bill Weber, and local organizational leaders to discuss the transportation issues private school students face in Western Ramapo.

Senator Weber, whose office organized the meeting, stressed the urgency of finding a workable solution and expressed his unwavering commitment to addressing the transportation issue private school students face. He made it clear that continuing with the status quo was not an option.

"In addition to multiple meetings with the school district leaders," Senator Weber shares exclusively with Rockland Daily, "my office held Zoom meetings and discussions with the New York State Education Department, including with the commissioner, plus meetings and conversations with residents at my district office and at their homes. Hard-working, tax-paying parents will soon have one less burden to worry about.

Previous meetings regarding the pilot program occurred on Thursday, January 19, Wednesday, February 15, and Friday, November 3. There was also a Zoom session in May during budget negotiations in Albany.

The meeting, which was attended by State Senator Bill Weber, Marlo Dickman – Vice President of the Suffern Central School District, P. Erik Gundersen, Ed. D. – Superintendent of Schools for the Suffern Central School District, Sinai Halberstam, and Andrea Jaffe of Rockland POET, Rabbi Shragi Greenbaum – from Agudath Israel of Rockland’s regional office, Shimon Moses – Deputy Mayor of the Village of Airmont, and several members of Senator Weber's staff, showcased a commitment to collaboration and innovation in seeking solutions to a longstanding issue.

For the past year, parents of private school students have been tirelessly working to engage with the Suffern Central School Board and district employees with the help of Senator Weber. They sought the opportunity to discuss the policies put in place in 2016, which resulted in the elimination of transportation services for yeshiva students in the Suffern area.

A pilot program is being explored with innovative and forward-thinking recommendations that maximize transportation efficiency without compromising the mandated services. It represents a significant collaborative effort that can potentially reshape the transportation landscape for yeshiva students in the Suffern area.

This meeting signifies a significant step forward in bridging the gap between private school parents and the Suffern Central School District.