Lori Podvesker is the Public Advocate's representative on the Citywide Council on Special Education and the parent of an eight-year-old son with special needs. Below is her summary of the highlight's of last week's meeting about busing.

Parents and educators of students with disabilities  -- and even a couple of school bus drivers -- unleashed a flood of concerns about the way busing is provided to their kids at last week'sCitywide Council on Special Education (CCSE) meeting. On the receiving end were Matt Berlin, executive director of the Office of Pupil Transportation (OPT) and Lauren Katzman, executive director of special education at the Department of Education.

Comments in this Q&A session with DOE officials covered a myriad of topics from the hours some children spend on the bus, to unsympathetic matrons and unsafe conditions. For a complete list of what was discussed, check out the PIST (Parents To Improve School Transportation) website.

Two union drivers testified about their experience; one of them noting that bus drivers can be fired if they do not follow an OPT route, even if a different route would be more practical.  Another voiced his unease about the lack of space on buses for students in wheelchairs.

The OPT head answered many questions and acknowledged the concerns but overall, parents said they would like to be more involved and proactive in making systemic changes to improve busing.  They suggested that a committee be formed --  possibly one per borough --  to address major concerns.  Berlin agreed to report back to the CCSE in two weeks with recommendations and possible resolutions.

If you have suggestions on how to improve school busing or would like to become involved in finding solutions,  contact the Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE) at ccse@schools.nyc.gov, 718-391-8354 or join the PIST parents who are spearheading the effort to make change (and tweeting about it!)