O'Keeffe Middle School schedule change and crossing guard policy added to Transportation Commission meeting Wed @ 5p

Thanks for all your emails and calls about the start and dismissal time changes at O'Keeffe Middle School and the impact of losing crossing guards for middle school students crossing Willy St during peak rush hour.  I have been in contact with city staff, the mayor, school district officials, and school board members since learning last week about the school districts change in hours for O'Keeffe. I share everyone's concern about the loss of crossing guards for middle school students at Thornton & Willy.

The Transportation Commission is meeting virtually on Wednesday at 5p this week and the chair has decided to add the topic of middle school schedule changes and crossing guard policy to the agenda at my request.​ TC Amended Agenda for details about how to register and speak or watch.

Currently, the city’s school crossing guard program is designed to serve elementary school students. Staff is in the process of looking at our options. They will also review whether we have the necessary funds to extend the hours of crossing guards to accommodate the change in middle school hours. The Transportation Commission was planning to work on reviewing the 2016 Crossing Guard Policy early next year but hopefully this emergency will help spark some temporary solutions in the short term..

Meanwhile, the city’s Traffic Engineering staff are working with MMSD and specifically O’Keeffe staff to ensure that families know of this change and the city will be providing education and encouragement for families and students related to safe crossing. Traffic Engineering has put out a mobile speed board out to remind drivers of their speeds and to remind drivers to slow down. The speed board will be in place for about 2 weeks. TE has previously upgraded the light at Williamson/Thornton crosswalk to LED. There is also a rapid flashing beacon light at the intersection of Thornton and Williamson St and the city will be encouraging the students that cross there to press the button and use it.