MD bill could add more flexibility and a more cost effective way to transport students in public school districts

MARYLAND- In Maryland, some lawmakers and transportation services for public schools are pushing for a bill that would give more flexibility when it comes to students in vulnerable populations.

“This allows those students to maintain some dignity and cohesiveness in their educational process,” Del. Carl Anderton Jr., said.

If passed, House Bill 72 would allow a county board of education to provide transportation to and from school for certain students using a vehicle other than a school bus.

The Director of Transportation Services for Wicomico County Schools said there are requests to transport foster and homeless students- as well as students with disabilities, which can be overwhelming.

“School buses have assigned routes on particular areas within the county, to then to have to extend those school buses outside of our county lines,” Desmond Hughes, Dir. of Transportation Services of Wicomico, said.

I am told right now the transportation services need to request a waiver to provide those service for these students, but House Bill 72 could make the process smoother.

“This allows especially for rural areas like ours, it allows the school board to use other types of vehicles without having to get a waiver from the school board,” Del. Wayne Hartman, said.

“It allows us to transport students from their homes to schools,” Hughes said.

I am told that this could also help the Worcester County school district financially.

“We wouldn’t have to buy another big yellow school bus at 90,000 dollars to transport our students when we possibly do have a van costing a lot less,” Dr. Dwayne Abt, Chief Safety & Human Relations Officer in Worcester County, said.

While the positive side is the cost, some people are asking the question on how this could impact bus contractors

Abt said he does not think this would hurt that particular arrangement in Worcester County, as this would be used for a very small population of their students.

If passed this could go into effect July 1st.

The Director of Transportation for Wicomico County said because of the pandemic he anticipates more homelessness and a greater need for these alternative vehicles.