More families allege kids wandered off Baltimore schools' property

Bridget Byrne, The Baltimore Sun on May 14, 2026

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BALTIMORE — Three Baltimore families notified Baltimore City Public Schools of their intent to sue on Thursday, alleging their children with autism left school property unnoticed by staff.

“What we assumed was an isolated incident now appears, we fear, to be part of a disturbing pattern, only made worse by the fact that these children are autistic and were supposed to be receiving special attention to address their special needs,” Thiru Vignarajah, the lawyer representing the families, said in a news release.

The children all attended different schools and have individualized education plans.

A 7-year-old child left Furley Elementary School, boarded a bus and was tracked down, in part, using an Apple AirTag the family had placed on the child, Vignarajah said.

The second incident involved a high school student at the Academy for College and Career Exploration leaving school premises, and a third involved a 10-year-old student earlier this week.

Sherry Christian, a school system spokesperson, said schools have regulations in place to manage classrooms and keep students safe.

“We never want any child or family to have a negative or traumatic experience at school, and we understand the concern this litigation may cause for students, families, and the broader school community. The trust families place in City Schools to care for and support their children is something we take very seriously,” Christian said.

Earlier this month, the family of a 6-year-old boy who wandered off the campus of a West Baltimore elementary school last year formally notified city officials of its intent to sue on May 6.

“Our schools are supposed to be sanctuaries for our most vulnerable, not a starting line for a citywide game of hide-and-seek. Parents should not need search parties, Ring cameras and AirTags to do the job our schools are supposed to do,” Vignarajah said.

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