Dear Parent,

There has been a lot of confusion about the 7th and 8th grade school buses for this coming school year. This is a synopsis of what has happened. Without notice or consideration the DoE, has decided to rescind a 64-year-old transportation variance given to the students of District 31, Staten Island. Our three City Council members led by Vincent Ignizio have filed a lawsuit to prevent the DoE from taking away our students bus service. Upon the filing of their petition the Honorable Judge Fusco granted a Temporary Restraining Order. Please keep in mind that the 7th and 8th graders are not the only ones affected by the DoE’s decision. Unfortunately students in the G&T programs were also notified that they would lose their bus service. I am certain that there are still other children who will lose their bus service but they have yet to be identified.
I immediately asked if the DoE would honor the TRO. Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm’s reply was, “(1) we are routing 7/8th graders and will bus them on 9/8 if the TRO is still in effect. (2) only 7/8th grade students affected. We are not busing G&T students.”
It was apparent that the DoE would appeal the Judges finding. A trial date is set for September 13th. I then contacted Chancellor Klein and asked if there was any way we could work things out and prevent this case from going to trial. The Chancellor responded that the DoE was “going to pursue the appeal.”
Please let me make this clear, while our children may have bus service while the TRO is in affect, the DoE is intent and determined to take away this bus service!
What can you do to help?
This Thursday night, CEC 31 will be holding a special meeting to introduce to the public an AMICUS CURAIE BRIEF written to support our Council Members position. You can read and support our brief here http://www.cec31.org/news.html. Your attendance and support will be critical to the success of this brief and the restoration of bus service. NY1 and the Advance and other papers will be covering this meeting. The reporters are looking for parents to interview. If your children are going to lose their busing then NOW is your time to act! Please attend this meeting and fill out a letter of support. Please pass this information to anyone that is affected by the DoE’s decision.

Thank you, Sam Pirozzolo President CEC 31