In a recent school board meeting, parents expressed their outrage and concern over alarming incidents involving the transportation of their children, both of whom have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The meeting highlighted significant lapses in communication and safety protocols that left parents feeling helpless and terrified.

One parent, whose son Stevie is a kindergartner at Founders Elementary, recounted a harrowing experience when the school bus transporting him was late. After multiple calls to the school, she was informed that Stevie had not arrived at school at all. In a panic, she called 911, fearing for her child's safety. It was later revealed that Stevie had been mistakenly identified as another child upon arrival at school and had spent the entire day on the wrong bus. The mother criticized the school staff for failing to verify Stevie's identity, despite his IEP indicating a language delay that would hinder his ability to communicate effectively.

Another parent, Stephen Romilio, shared a similar story about his son Joe, who was dropped off six blocks away from his designated bus stop. The bus driver claimed Joe must have gotten off at the wrong stop, but the Romilios argued that a check-in and check-out system should have been in place to prevent such incidents. Romilio emphasized the need for additional aides on buses, particularly those transporting young children with special needs, to ensure their safety.

The board members acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with one member stating that the events were \"unacceptable\" and that failures occurred at multiple levels, including the bus service contracted by the district. The superintendent was specifically called out for the leadership failures that led to these incidents, with parents demanding accountability and immediate changes to prevent future occurrences.

As the meeting concluded, board members assured parents that measures would be implemented to enhance safety protocols and communication, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the well-being of all students. The incidents have sparked a call for systemic changes within the district to restore trust among parents and safeguard the children in their care.