School districts across Westchester are facing unprecedented challenges as they try to balance their budgets. On April 20, residents in Eastchester will decide whether or not to do away with busing for most Middle and High School Students. Elementary School students would not be affected.

School Board President Willa Brody Hughes says the option was put on the table after several public hearings in which residents demanded the district do all it can to keep school taxes in check. Said Brody Hughes,"It's a very, very emotional issue, because there are parents, understandably, who are working parents, who rely upon these services, and the parents are going to have to make a decision in terms of valueing whether $350,000 in savings would substantiate the elimination of buses for their children."

Under the proposed change, children attending the Middle Schoolwould be bused only if they lived two miles or more from the school, and High School students only if they lived three miles or more from the school.

Brody Hughes says given that the district is roughly 3 square miles, most, if not all of those students, would not be bused.

Opponents argue that because some areas along the school route do not have sidewalks, some kids would be forced to walk in the road. Supporters point out that other neighboring districts, including Bronxville and the Pelham School District do not bus students in their districts.