Editor:
The volume of traffic this year at the Scarborough Schools is appalling. Especially K-2, Wentworth and the middle school. The Scarborough bus department 2007 budget exceeded $1,300,000.  
In 12 years I have never witnessed such a large number of parents dropping off and picking up their students daily. These are students not utilizing a community resource that we all pay for. We are an environmentally conscience community and the drastic number of cars driving to school is contrary to this policy.
On Oct. 18, I informed the school board of some bus stop safety and bus routing issues that have preventing me from utilizing our bus system. I live two and a half miles from the school and it is taking 40 minutes for my kindergarten student to get home. This is not the fault of the driver. It is the route, that needs revision. In Scarborough we are fortunate to have some great drivers that are dedicated to our children’s safety and well-being on the bus. They are required to follow the route developed by bus administration.
I believe many routes can be more efficient so all children can spent less time on the bus.  There will be major changes over the next year as School bus transportation budget is going to be reduced at the state level.  This is a wonderful opportunity to get proactive and improve efficiency and safety now.   
For those in the community that have concerns regarding school bus issues, I would encourage you to contact me at mmrbz5@netscape.net. Title memo “school buses.”
Or contact school board members and let them know why so many of us are not using the school buses.
Sincerely,
Michelle Albahary
Scarborough