The LSTA sent an opt in form to parents of non mandated busing to join the LSTA busing but will have to pay a $150 per child fee. The form said that the Department of Education does not provide transportation for children who live between 0.5 and 2.0 miles from school. All along askanim promised that it was done to save courtesy busing. even Gov. Christie wrote "This bill ensures all nonpublic school students can get to school safely, while easing the financial burden on the district in providing courtesy busing to address its unique safety concerns". Yet the township is paying all courtesy busing costs for non mandated public school students. in a Hamodia article about the new
consortium "The key factor pushing the legislation was that amid perennial budget woes, this year the district has canceled “courtesy busing,” transportation for students living within two miles of their schools. The bill effectively saved this service. However, parents who rely on it (whose children are receiving transportation) must contribute $150 to a fund to fully cover costs.
The fee is necessary to make up for the loss of “aid in lieu” that is being returned to parents rather than going to the fund."
Not only are Lakewood taxpayers paying for courtesy of public school students but now parents are paying close to $500 a year (including Sunday busing) for busing while many kids even those that are mandated dont even have busing yet.
consortium "The key factor pushing the legislation was that amid perennial budget woes, this year the district has canceled “courtesy busing,” transportation for students living within two miles of their schools. The bill effectively saved this service. However, parents who rely on it (whose children are receiving transportation) must contribute $150 to a fund to fully cover costs.
The fee is necessary to make up for the loss of “aid in lieu” that is being returned to parents rather than going to the fund."
Not only are Lakewood taxpayers paying for courtesy of public school students but now parents are paying close to $500 a year (including Sunday busing) for busing while many kids even those that are mandated dont even have busing yet.