RAMAPO: Congressman Mike Lawler, Supervisor Michael Specht Host School Bus Safety Roundtable With Police, Officials, and Transportation Leaders

A roundtable discussion focused on school bus safety was held Wednesday morning at Ramapo Town Hall, hosted by Congressman Mike Lawler and Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, bringing together law enforcement leaders, elected officials, school transportation providers, and community representatives for a coordinated conversation on improving safety.

Among those in attendance were Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman and members of the Ramapo Police Department, Spring Valley Police Chief Richard  Oleszczuk along with his department, Ramapo OEP Coordinator Josh Hans, Representatives from Hatzoloh EMS, Chaverim of Rockland Coordinator Yossi Margaretten, and Senator Bill Weber, who joined via Zoom.

Also participating were New Square Mayor Izzy Spitzer, Kaser representative Feivy Mermelstein, and Rabbi Hersh Horowitz from Community Outreach Center , alongside multiple private school bus companies and transportation providers.

The discussion centered on strengthening coordination and increasing education across all levels, including drivers, parents, and children, with the goal of enhancing school bus safety and reducing incidents involving students. Broader pedestrian safety was also a key topic, with participants discussing ways to improve awareness and infrastructure to better protect individuals walking near roadways and school zones.

Participants also expressed appreciation to Congressman Lawler for securing federal funding aimed at improving sidewalks and pedestrian safety infrastructure in the area, noting that these enhancements play a critical role in protecting children and families traveling to and from school.

“Keeping our children safe on their way to and from school is a shared responsibility,” Congressman Lawler told Monsey Scoop. “By bringing everyone to the table, law enforcement, transportation providers, and community leaders, we can develop real, practical solutions that improve awareness and prevent accidents.”

Supervisor Specht echoed the importance of a unified approach, telling Monsey Scoop, “This was about collaboration and proactive planning. Through education, communication, and partnership between our agencies and community stakeholders, we can continue to improve safety standards and protect our children every day.”

Officials emphasized that the meeting focused primarily on awareness, education, and collaboration, not enforcement, with participants sharing ideas on how to better educate drivers, parents, and students, while working toward safer roadways for school transportation across the Town of Ramapo.