Maryland School Bus Driver Fired After Letting Student Rescue Kitten

Cynthia Morgan, an 11-year veteran school bus driver for Harford County Public Schools in Maryland, was fired from her route after stopping her vehicle to let a 10-year-old student rescue an injured kitten on Heaps School Road in Pylesville. While community members launched an online petition and praised her warm character, district officials cited multiple safety concerns and inappropriate interactions in her termination letter.

The Kitten Rescue on Heaps School Road

The incident occurred when Morgan stopped her bus to let 10-year-old student Alex pick up an injured feline along Heaps School Road in Pylesville, Maryland. Footage reviewed by CBS News Baltimore showed little traffic on the road during the stop. CTV News reported that the youngster held onto the cat all the way to school.

The Independent reported that after dropping off the students, Morgan continued her journey with the kitten remaining onboard and resting on her lap. Parent Carolyn Kalambihis told CBS News Baltimore that Morgan would not have let a child get off the bus if it were a high-traffic road, though Kalambihis acknowledged that the driver made a mistake.

Harford County Public Schools Dismissal Decision

Danielle Bedsaul, director of transportation at Harford County Public Schools, outlined the district’s reasoning in a letter to Morgan shared with The Baltimore Sun. Bedsaul cited multiple incidents involving the driver, including concerns over inappropriate interactions with students. The letter noted that Morgan drove with the cat on her lap after Alex went to school.

In a meeting with district officials, Morgan defended her actions and claimed she did not put students at risk. According to The Independent, she stated she has been left devastated by the district’s decision to remove her from her route.

Community Backing and Public Petitions

Community members have rallied behind the longtime driver, organizing an online petition on Change.org that has gathered more than 1,520 signatures. Petition organizer Julie Long wrote that Morgan is someone children look forward to seeing every morning and afternoon, adding that her warm nature makes pupils feel safe and comfortable.

The fact that she was let go because of an act of kindness does really weigh on him. That is unforgivable and cruel.

Taffy Thomas

Taffy Thomas told The Baltimore Sun that she stands 100 percent behind Morgan and noted that her son would have been devastated if they had left the injured animal on the road. Kalambihis also defended Morgan’s character to CBS News Baltimore, stating that the driver frequently purchases school supplies and holiday gifts for every child on her bus out of her own pocket.