Rossi family advocates for safer transportation after son Matthew's death on school bus

The New Jersey Senate Education Committee meeting on March 17, 2025, highlighted a deeply emotional plea from the Rossi family, who are advocating for enhanced safety measures for special education students during transportation. The family shared their tragic experience of losing their 19-year-old son, Matthew, who died after being deemed unresponsive on a school bus. They emphasized that neglect and a failure to follow emergency protocols by bus personnel contributed to this preventable tragedy.

The Rossi family’s testimony underscored the urgent need for legislation that ensures the safety of special education students from the moment they board the bus until they return home. They pointed out that similar incidents have occurred to other students in New Jersey, stressing that every child deserves the right to safe transportation. The proposed bill aims to establish accountability among transportation personnel and implement common-sense safeguards for vulnerable students.

The family expressed their frustration with the current state of school transportation safety, noting that while some legislation has been passed, there remains a critical distinction between vehicle safety and the personal safety of students with unique medical and behavioral needs. They argued that transportation should be treated with the same priority as safety measures on school grounds, as it is an extension of the school day and essential for access to education.

In closing, the Rossi family urged lawmakers to prioritize the safety of children over cost concerns, emphasizing that no price can be placed on a child's life. Their heartfelt testimony serves as a call to action for the committee to support the proposed legislation, aiming to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak.