VIDEO: New Vote on School Bus Cuts Creates a Divide Among Locals

Parents in the Smithtown Central School District have lobbied since May to have a new vote on the bus cuts, which was eventually granted by the Board of Education on July 19. With the new vote less than a week away, having a new vote has caused a divide among parents and locals.

“While I voted to keep the busing the way it was, there were people that decided to do it the other way – either they decided [to approve cuts] or they didn’t read what was written … I have always been opposed to having a re-vote when something is voted down, you have next year to do it,” said Stan Meyers of Smithtown at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Not having all the facts concerning savings the cuts would accrue, safety reports of the children walking and more is reason enough for Troy Rosasco of St. James to support a new vote.

“I’m sensitive to those that believe there should not be a second re-vote on this, however that pre-presumes that we had all the information regarding the busing cuts at the first time, and the fact of the matter is we did not,” Rosasco said at the podium Tuesday night.

Rosasco disputed the district’s claims that the bus cuts would result in $871,917 in savings and criticized the district for not completing safety studies for the new student walkers.

Motives for having a new vote were also criticized.

“Did the people that want a re-vote take a collection to pay for it? Are we going to have a re-vote until we get the results somebody desires? That could go on-and-on, two re-votes, three re-votes. That’s not right,” said Ernie Krauss of Smithtown.

with a final tally of 3,915 to 3,055. with five board members voting in favor and two members voting in opposition.

The new vote will be held on Sept. 19.