Crime & Safety
UPDATE: No School Field Trips, County Service to Baltimore During Unrest
Anne Arundel County Public Schools called off all trips to city of Baltimore venues, and county-sponsored trips to the city are canceled.
UPDATED at 9:30 p.m.
Citing the threat of more unrest in Baltimore as protests continue over the death of a man in police custody, Superintendent George Arlotto on Monday c anceled all Anne Arundel County school system field trips and activities to be held in Baltimore City through May 3.
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The cancellation affects about 40 planned trips by schools ranging from elementary to high school, the superintendent said in a statement.
Monday night, County Executive Steve Schuh said all Anne Arundel County-sponsored activities and transportation into the city are canceled until further notice.
Find out what's happening in Edgewater-Davidsonvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This includes the Department of Aging and Disabilities Transportation Program, which provides medical trips into Baltimore City. All clients are being contacted about the change in the schedule, according to a news release.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department has deployed 65 officers, including Police Chief Tim Altomare, along with equipment and vehicles, to help Baltimore Police with the unrest.
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Like other school systems in the state, Arlotto said he and school system officials have monitored the developments in the city since Friday, and decided Monday that it was best to keep children, staff, and chaperones away from any potential unrest.
“While we hope that the demonstrations remain civil and peaceful, I feel it is in the best interests of our students, staff, and parents to keep them away from any potential disturbances,” Arlotto said. “I am disappointed that our children may miss out on great opportunities, but I would hope that everyone involved in our school system understands the need for this precaution.”
School officials will work with field trip organizers to see if refunds can be made to parents who paid for field trips, Arlotto said. That may not be possible in all cases, however.
He said the status of field trips scheduled for next week will be re-evaluated later this week.
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