Maryland bus driver removed after stopping to rescue kitten

Cynthia Morgan, a bus driver for Cleary Transportation Inc. serving Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) in Maryland, has been removed from her route following an incident involving a kitten rescue. The incident occurred on Heaps School Road when 10-year-old student Alex Thomas spotted an injured kitten. Morgan stopped the bus to allow the student to retrieve the animal, which remained on the bus until reaching North Harford Elementary School.

HCPS stated that student safety is the top priority and noted that a video review showed the driver allowed a student to leave the bus and permitted the animal to stay on board. The district also indicated that the driver's removal involved multiple circumstances, though they declined to discuss specific certification details. HCPS clarified that Morgan is an employee of an independent contractor rather than a direct employee of the school system.

Local parents and community members have responded with support for Morgan, describing her as a compassionate driver. A Change.org petition calling for her reinstatement has gathered over 1,500 signatures. Alex’s mother, Taffy Thomas, expressed full support for Morgan, stating her son would have been devastated to leave the kitten behind.