Prince George’s County Public Schools has cleared a backlog affecting about 10,000 pupils and replaced its transport director after a chaotic start to the new school year in Maryland.
Keba Baldwin has stepped down from the role to pursue another professional opportunity, the district said on Sunday, as former chief operating officer Mark Fossett took over as acting director.
The leadership change follows widespread disruption during the first week of classes, when missing buses, incorrect routes, long journeys and problems with the new Chipmunk tracking app left families struggling to establish when children would arrive at school or return home.
PGCPS said the original backlog had been resolved for families who registered before July 31. Pupils enrolled after that date are being processed through the district’s usual arrangements. ([epi.pgcps.org](https://epi.pgcps.org/inside-scoop-blog/2026-2027/important-updates-on-student-bus-routes-and-transportation))
The district operates more than 1,100 buses. It said the Chipmunk app suffered a technical failure during the morning run on the first day of school, although service was restored by midday. Some buses were delayed by more than 45 minutes, while journeys for pupils attending specialist programmes approached two hours. ([epi.pgcps.org](https://epi.pgcps.org/inside-scoop-blog/2026-2027/start-of-school-transportation–bus-app-update))
Mr Fossett will lead a newly formed transition team tasked with stabilising the transport operation and filling vacancies in the department. PGCPS is also beginning a national search for a permanent director and assistant director.
Updated routes to start on Monday
Drivers were due to begin using revised routes on Monday, August 31, after staff prepared new run sheets across all 12 bus depots. Families were warned that pickup and drop-off times could still change as routes are adjusted.
The district said a 27-member surge team would continue handling requests linked to new enrolments and address changes. Staff will also spend the next several weeks correcting stop errors, reviewing lengthy journeys and improving route efficiency.
Superintendent Dr Shawn Joseph said the immediate task was to stabilise the system and improve communication with families.
“Now, our responsibility is to stabilize the system, strengthen customer service and address the underlying operational issues that contributed to the challenges we experienced during the opening of school,” he said.
PGCPS is introducing an automated telephone tracking service overseen by its family advocate office, while families can check updated information through the Chipmunk app and ParentVUE portal.
District leaders are due to hold a telephone town hall for families on Wednesday, September 2, at 6pm to discuss the transport recovery plan and answer questions.
