JACKSON, NJ—In a recent meeting, the Jackson Board of Education, together with town officials, tackled the pressing issue of transportation safety concerning courtesy busing for students. This gathering was a response to the cutbacks in state aid under the S2 funding formula, prompting the district to consider ending courtesy school busing for students living within two miles of their schools.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn, Councilman Mordechai Burnstein, Business Administrator Terrence Wall, Public Safety Director Joseph Candido, and other municipal government officials attended the session. They collectively addressed the community’s worries about students walking to school amid concerns over inadequate local infrastructure, such as insufficient curbs and sidewalks, which pose significant hazards.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that the State had allocated $2.5 million to alleviate these concerns, with $1.5 million earmarked for reinstating courtesy busing and the remaining $1 million for improving pedestrian pathways. However, school officials were hesitant to announce these plans prematurely, opting to wait until the funds were securely deposited.
Business Administrator Wall confirmed that these funds were guaranteed, following a discussion with state legislator Alex Sauickie. The township has also committed to matching the $1 million grant aimed at infrastructure enhancements to support the district amid financial constraints.
The board ultimately reassured the meeting’s participants that courtesy busing for students would be maintained, signaling a significant move towards ensuring student safety in Jackson.
