Town of Hempstead School Bus Safety Program

November 30, 2022

Dear North Merrick School Community,

As you may be aware, school districts throughout the Town of Hempstead, including North Merrick, have joined in the town’s School Bus Safety Program, to increase school safety for all students.

New technology has been installed on all school buses that transport district students, including stop-arm enforcement cameras. This technology is designed to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign arm and red lights are engaged. Officials from the town then review the footage to determine whether to issue a violation by mail. Please be cautious of when the stop-arms are engaged, both on and off school property.

It is important to note that the stop-arm enforcement cameras have been provided at no cost to the school district or taxpayers, as the program is entirely and exclusively funded through fees collected by the Town of Hempstead from violators. Enforcement begins in December 2022.

To enhance safety for our students, in addition to the enforcement technology, all buses have been outfitted with GPS tracking, as well as interior monitoring, which provides for improved video and audio recording.

For additional information on the town’s program, please visit stopforthebus.com/hempstead.

As always, the safety of our children is a top priority. I thank you for your partnership in helping to curb dangerous driving behavior and keeping our students as safe as possible!

Sincerely,

Thomas P. McDaid, Jr., Esq.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations