I was surprised to see that the transportation referendum for our school district's Tally Lane section residents passed. These students do not reside in the transportation mileage guidelines determined by our district. Now those students and parents are happy to be receiving transportation for $195,000, which was added to our annual school district budget. I was glad to see that these children will be out of harm's way and will not have to walk to and from school with unsafe conditions. It's obvious that many parents felt buses were necessary to keep the students safe or else the referendum would not have passed. Many other parents, whose children aren't eligible for transportation, feel it is unsafe for their children to be walking to and from school. Whether it is garbage, distance major highways, strangers or inclement weather conditions, all students should receive a bus. If the district is supplying buses for Tally Lane section residents it should also be supplied to all students whose parents feel conditions are unsafe for walking. What is fair for one side of town should be fair for the entire school district. Every student should receive equal services.

Twice this year we were notified by the district about attempted abductions (Sky Lane and near Center Lane). There was also an incident in the paper about a young male who was arrested because he was in the ladies room at a neighborhood park and he approached a 9-year-old girl. Then I heard about a 19-year-old neighbor who was recently held up at gunpoint in front of his house. Lastly, I just heard about a Salk student who was hit by a car crossing Wantagh Avenue on his bike. All of the incidents are examples of why parents should be concerned for our children's safety. Measures are necessary to assure their safety.

Two years ago several parents, including myself, submitted a petition requesting that the district supply more students with a bus and were able to obtain over 200 signatures. It was given to the Levittown Board Members. We were told to form a transportation committee. We met several times and were advised nothing could be done. I suggested changing the school times so most students would receive a bus at little cost to the taxpayers. If this was done, we could use the same buses for the middle schools and the high schools.

Safety for my children comes first. It should also be the most important issue to our school board members and administration. It should be considered before artificial turf, office renovations, etc.

I did not want to send this letter to the Levittown Tribune, but I did call Dr. Sirois several times and he did not return my phone calls. Assistant Superintendent of Business Mark Schissler did call me. What would he do if he had a 13-year-old girl who had to walk over one mile to and from school alone? I hope that other parents who have the same concerns will speak up. I know there are plenty of you who feel the same.

Susan Handel