There are alternatives to dropping off pupils unattended at bus stops

I must question the motives behind the letter Raymond Kostanty sent to the News Transcript. I am curious why I have never seen him at a school board meeting.

I haven’t missed a meeting except this July. I am a member of the ad hoc committee charged with making recommendations to the board concerning the new school. I am curious why I don’t have the pleasure of his presence at those meetings.

Let me clarify my position concerning the issue of bus stops and dropping off children that aren’t met at bus stops.

I hope some people would remember when at the school board meeting that was reported in the Asbury Park Press I stated there are other options. I stated that maybe they could take the child to the police station as they do in New York when a parent isn’t there to claim his or her child at the close of the school day.

Believe me, after once having to pick up his or her child at the police station and having to make explanations to the police and maybe the Division of Youth and Family Services, if the police call them, will discourage a repeat offense.

We have options other than dropping off a child unattended to walk home. The bus driver can take the child to the Pine Brook School where a latchkey program is being run and when the parent claims their child a fee would be imposed, say $1 a minute to cover the cost of baby-sitting and bus driver overtime.

I never defended the parents who don’t take responsibility for their actions.

Allow me to clarify another point. Why are some children picked up in front of their houses and others have to walk six football field lengths or more to the bus stop? I am referring to children who live on cul-de-sacs.

Now the question of the best teachers and administrators of our schools. Wouldn’t anyone anywhere want their children taught by the best in their given fields? Would you want anything but the best doctor, lawyer, accountant?

Mr. Kostanty, when and if you ever have something to say about how to improve upon or have a suggestion that is beneficial, then express it.

Allen Forkowitz

Manalapan