Subject: Petition for the Resignation of Dr. Michael Martirano, Superintendent of HCPSS

We, the undersigned concerned parents, guardians, students, teachers, and community members of Howard County, Maryland, express our collective dissatisfaction and deep concern regarding the recent events surrounding the transportation system in the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS). It is with great urgency that we petition for the resignation of Dr. Michael Martirano, the current Superintendent of HCPSS, based on the lack of confidence in his leadership demonstrated by the chaotic and unacceptable handling of the school transportation situation on the first day of the academic year.

On the first day of school, a considerable number of students across the district were subjected to excessive delays and, in some cases, complete absence of bus services. This situation caused undue stress, anxiety, and inconvenience for both students and their families. The mishandling of transportation logistics resulted in students waiting for extended periods at bus stops, arriving at school late, and being left stranded without a means to get to school altogether. This disruption not only impacted students' academic experience but also significantly inconvenienced working parents who rely on the school bus system to safely transport their children.

The decision to cancel existing school transportation contracts and award a three-year contract to an out-of-state tech company, Zūm, proved to be a hasty and ill-informed move. While we recognize the potential benefits of integrating modern technology into the school transportation system, it is evident that the implementation was poorly executed. The promises of heightened safety features and GPS tracking were overshadowed by the glaring lack of preparedness and communication evident in the chaotic scenes that unfolded on the first day of school.

Parents took to social media platforms to express their frustration, recounting incidents of buses arriving late, confusion over bus numbers, and students missing their rides entirely. These accounts illustrate a severe lack of accountability and transparency on the part of HCPSS administration. Furthermore, the subsequent apologies issued by Superintendent Martirano and Zūm were inadequate in addressing the scale of disruption caused to students and families.

As stakeholders in our community's education system, we firmly believe that effective leadership is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and functionality of our schools. The events of the first day of school have eroded our trust in Superintendent Martirano's ability to lead and make decisions in the best interest of our students. It is with a heavy heart that we urge you to consider our concerns and take swift action to rectify this situation.

We, the undersigned, kindly request the immediate resignation of Dr. Michael Martirano from his position as Superintendent of the Howard County Public School System. Our students deserve better than the chaos and uncertainty they experienced on the first day of school. We believe that new leadership is necessary to restore confidence in the administration and ensure the well-being of our children's education.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a resolution that prioritizes the best interests of our students.

Sincerely,

 Concerned Parents, Guardians, Students, Teachers, and Community Members of Howard County