TPS transportation problem frustrates grandmother of special needs student

TULSA, Okla. — Transportation problems left Tulsa Public School grandparents in need of a lawyer.

Gwendolyn McBride called 2 News when she reached her breaking point. She told us her granddaughter is signed up for door-to-door pickup and drop-off service, but Edison High School staff won’t let her on the school bus.

McBride stated that she had a lot to do as she relied on the school to ensure she could safely transport her special needs student to and from school.

“It’s exhausting me, you know, taking her to school and then bringing her back every night,” she said. “I mean, it’s really hard for me.”

Over the summer, her granddaughter developed a fall problem. McBride took her to several doctors, but now they are waiting to see a neurologist.

Until the issue was resolved, McBride said her student’s teacher, nurse and physical therapist told her it would be best to keep her off the bus.

She said she wouldn’t have a problem with it if her granddaughter wasn’t already approved for door-to-door pickup and drop-off by the school.

“The day we went to sign her up, she fell, so the school knew about it,” she said. “And I asked if they would provide an alternative method of transporting her, but I didn’t get an answer.”

This year, her granddaughter didn’t take the bus to or from school even once.

2 News has reached out to the district for answers for McBride.

A TPS communications officer contacted us and said they are working to get answers to this student’s situation.

“I am 73 years old and I try to do everything I can for my granddaughter, but I feel that since the school has approved her to attend door-to-door school, she should provide that transportation instead of me,” McBride said.
While she isn’t sure if the problem is specific to her student, McBride believes the district should accommodate all students where they are.

Caroline Crouch, executive director of the TPS communications team, told 2 News the district values the safe transportation of all students to and from school, especially students with special needs.

In Tulsa Public Schools, nothing is more important than the safety of our students. Supporting our special education students is our highest priority and our team is working with this student’s family to ensure appropriate accommodations are available for her and her family. Often, in complex situations, it takes time to safely meet needs, taking into account the specifics of each student’s situation. Our school and special education staff are in contact with the family and are working together to find the best and safest solution.

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