Use of Taxis for Special Needs Students Unsettles Parents
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Sioux Falls schools are using taxi cabs to shuttle a growing number of students with special education or behavioral needs between buildings.
The Argus Leader newspaper reports that some parents question the practice, saying they're unsettled by the idea of unsupervised rides with strangers.
Jennifer Miller says taxi drivers aren't trained to work with children with special needs, such as her autistic son.
The school district says drivers go through background checks similar to school bus drivers and that taxis are a cost-effective, safe solution for transporting children. Cab drivers move about 160 students each day.
Superintendent Brian Maher says he initially also had concerns when he took the job last year, but he says his fears were assuaged when he saw the district's requirements for cab drivers.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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