School Bus Driver Fired After Allowing Student to Rescue Injured Kitten
Parents launch petition to reinstate veteran driver, citing her exemplary record and caring nature.
A school bus driver with 11 years of service in Maryland was fired after pulling her bus over to allow a student to rescue an injured kitten from the side of a rural road.
Cynthia Morgan, 67, was terminated from her position driving for the Harford County Public School system last week. The incident occurred on a quiet rural road where the student spotted the kitten. Morgan stopped the bus, and the student disembarked to help the animal.
Parents have initiated a petition to have Morgan reinstated, arguing that her termination was unjust and overlooked her long-standing positive record. The petition, which has garnered over 7,500 signatures, describes Morgan as more than just a bus driver, but a familiar and comforting presence for the children on her route. Parents highlighted her generosity, noting that she often purchases school supplies, gifts, and cards for the students out of her own pocket.
One parent, Carolyn Kalambihis, told WJZ that Morgan has driven her children to North Harford Elementary School for five years and described her as an "angel." While acknowledging that letting the student off the bus may have been a mistake, Kalambihis believes a short suspension would have been a more appropriate consequence than termination.
The kitten, found near its deceased mother, was taken to Jarrettsville Vet Center. Aside from a minor nose injury, the kitten is reportedly in good health and is expected to be available for adoption soon.
In a statement to CBS News Baltimore, the Harford County Public School district stated that "Certification and decertification are not always based on a single factor but often involve consideration of multiple circumstances and requirements." The district emphasized that "Student safety remains our top priority, and all certification decisions are made with that responsibility in mind."
Morgan was an employee of Cleary Inc., an independent contractor for the school district, rather than directly employed by the district itself.