Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) announced Monday that an internal investigation is under way to address reports of bullying and harassment among staff in the district’s transportation department. The move follows a tumultuous start to the school year, during which more than 10,000 students experienced bus service disruptions.
Parents voice frustration over bus chaos
Families across the county reported a range of problems, from missing buses to duplicate routes that left children waiting for multiple vehicles. One parent, Anthony Tilghman, described the confusion: “Two buses came to the house to pick up my daughter this morning, and both of them were assigned to the same route. A second bus later said they were on the correct route, but the app wasn’t working, so we couldn’t verify.” Tilghman urged the district to resolve the issues quickly so his daughter could return home safely.
Other parents echoed similar concerns, noting that some children’s buses arrived late or never showed up at all on Monday. The district’s message to parents on Sunday acknowledged the “frustration the first week of school caused for many” and pledged “transparency, rapid problem‑solving, and providing reliable service your family deserves.”
Leadership changes aim to steady transportation
In response to the operational setbacks, former Transportation Director Keba Baldwin stepped down last week. Dr. Mark Fossett has been appointed as the new director, tasked with restoring order and addressing the workplace culture concerns that staff say contribute to hiring challenges.
Veteran bus driver James Miller, who has worked for PGCPS for over two decades, welcomed the investigation, stating, “A hostile work environment makes it hard to attract and keep qualified drivers. We need a safe, respectful workplace for everyone involved.”
District says backlog cleared, but challenges remain
School officials claim the initial backlog of 10,000 students has been cleared, yet several families reported ongoing delays on Monday. The district has scheduled a tele‑town hall for Wednesday, offering parents a direct line to ask questions and receive updates from transportation officials.
While the investigation proceeds, the county’s education board is monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing that a reliable transportation system is essential for students’ safety and academic success. The board’s next steps will include reviewing the findings of the internal probe and implementing any recommended changes to policy, staffing, and training.
What’s next for families?
Parents are encouraged to attend the upcoming tele‑town hall, submit any additional concerns through the district’s online portal, and stay informed via official communications. The district has promised regular updates as the investigation unfolds and as Dr. Fossett works to rebuild confidence in the transportation system.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
