During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the transportation and communication issues affecting students with disabilities in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS). Parents and advocates highlighted alarming instances where children were not located when parents arrived for pick-up, faced excessive transportation times, and experienced delays of up to an hour and a half. These delays have raised hygiene concerns for younger students who are not yet potty trained, as well as safety issues during extreme heat conditions.

The discussions underscored a broader systemic problem, with speakers emphasizing that the transportation issues are symptomatic of deeper challenges related to staffing and budgeting. It was noted that AACPS struggles to adequately staff special educators, teaching assistants, and bus aides, with salaries lagging behind those in neighboring counties. This lack of resources sends a troubling message about the value placed on students with disabilities and their right to safe and timely transportation to educational opportunities.

Amanda Morales, a licensed clinical social worker and parent of an AACPS student, echoed these sentiments, sharing her personal experiences with inadequate communication from the school regarding her child's education. She described a lack of information about teachers and programs, which has led to confusion and misplacement of students on buses. Morales emphasized that these communication failures violate the educational rights of students with high support needs, who rely on consistent and clear communication as outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The meeting concluded with a call for urgent action to address these issues, as parents and advocates seek to ensure that the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities, are met and prioritized within the school system.