South County Parents Fight to Keep Out-of-Area Transfers

At Wednesday's Board of Education meeting, many southern Anne Arundel County parents expressed concerns about out-of-area transfers.

About 20 parents and caretakers requested the school system continue the "status quo" of allowing out-of-area transfers (OATs) at elementary schools in the southern part of the county.

Several parents—most of them with students at Deale Elementary School—said they may no longer be able to find suitable daycare if the students are forced to change to a school out of school bus range from the daycare facilities.

"Current bus routes efficiently, effectively and safely transport students," said Deale Elementary parent Lauren Northrop in a statement submitted to the board. "We are asking that out-of-area students not be denied access to buses they already ride on and that are paid for by our taxes."

Board President Andrew Pruski said after the meeting that this was the first time the issue was brought to the board. He said students were using the buses, but that transportation is not guaranteed to transfers.

"We will respond after communication with the daycare provider and the people who were here today," Pruski said.