A longtime school bus driver in Harford County, Maryland, was removed from her route after allowing a 10‑year‑old student to rescue an injured kitten on Heaps School Road. Cynthia Morgan, who has worked for the district for 11 years, said she was devastated by the decision when she confirmed it to CBS News Baltimore.
Morgan instructed the child, Alex, to pick up the cat and carried it to school. The boy’s mother, Taffy Thomas, said she was 100 percent behind the driver and that her son would have been devastated if the kitten had been left behind. Parents and students have rallied in support, with community member Julie Long launching a petition on Change.org to restore Morgan’s job. Long said Morgan has become more than a bus driver, describing her as a source of comfort and safety for the children.
A letter from Transportation Director Danielle Bedsaul to contractor Cleary Transportation cited multiple incidents involving Morgan, including concerns about inappropriate interactions with students. The letter also noted that Morgan had driven with the kitten on her lap for the remainder of the trip. In a meeting with district officials, Morgan defended her actions and said she had not put the student at risk. Some parents, such as Carolyn Kalambihis, praised Morgan’s generosity, noting she buys supplies and gifts for the children out of her own pocket.
The school district said certification decisions are based on multiple factors and that student safety remains the top priority. It added that the decision to remove Morgan was made with that responsibility in mind. The Independent has requested comments from Cleary Transportation and district officials.
