Bus Aid Called Illegal By Schools' Attorney

The Afíh Arbor Board of Education's legal counsel says it is illegal for the school board to give financial support to Ann Arbor Transit, Inc.- the local bus company which is beset with money problems. School Supt. W. Scott Westerman Jr. last night told the Board of Education of the legal opinión by Roscoe O. Bonisteel Jr. Westerman said the board will receive the detailed opinión next week. The opinión apparently quashes any hopes the City Council might have had that the school board would provide financial assistance to the city bus company for its transportation of 1,500 local students. These students are not eligible for Ischool bus transportation because of state Ireimbursement regulations and are ported at their own cost by Ann Arbor j Transit, Inc. Westerman said Bonisteel's conclusión) was based upon a careful study of state law. He added Bonisteel says there is no expressed authority in the state school code to permit a school district to use public funds to help finance a private enterprise. The superintendent said he has communicated Bonisteel's conclusión to John Robbins, director of parking and traffic engineering for the city. The City Council met with the school board last week in an attempt to persuade the board to contribute to the bus company's financing. The council is facing a potential $170,000 deficit in bus operations. A decisión on whether to continue bus service is expected by the council in January.