Lawmakers Review Policy On School Bus Safety
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A child falling out of a bus is a parent's worst nightmare. A parent puts her child on a school bus, only to learn he fell off the bus and later died.
Gigi Barnett reports it happened to the parents of a 6-year-old boy and now, the school wants to make sure it does not happen again.
School bus rides can be a horrific time for a child with special needs. City leaders are reviewing policy on school safety.
The family of 6-year-old Jeremy Jennings, Jr. plans to file a lawsuit against Baltimore City Schools. Jennings was a special needs student who fell from the back of a moving school bus in December.
City councilmembers brainstormed for ways to tighten up their policy.
"Go over the rules for transporting students in the state of Maryland," said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
The school district's policy on safe bus transportation is already thick, but Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke says it may need more rules.
"I think that some issues will be raised about how did a 6-year-old boy, so easily and quickly, open a door?" said Clarke.
On Dec. 8, Jeremy was headed home from St. Vincent's, a special education school in Timonium. According to police reports, the boy -- who was supposed to be in a harness -- got up out of his seat and began fighting with another student. As the aides tried to restrain Jeremy, the 6-year-old ran to the back of the bus, opened the door and fell out. The bus was still moving. The two aides and the driver who work for a private bus company had their licenses and certification suspended.
"Procedure says, 'Yes, they should stop. They should call 911 or call their dispatcher if there is a problem. All of the bus drivers are aware of that," said J. Keith Scroggins, Baltimore City Schools.
The school district has a little more than 5,000 special education students who need door-to-door service every day. Much of that work is done by 19 private bus companies.
In addition to Thursday's hearing, the school board says it will review its policies as well.
More than 400 special education students are transported to schools outside of Baltimore City every day.
