During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on enhancing student safety and infrastructure improvements in the Salem-Keizer area, particularly regarding safe routes to schools. Beth Schmidt, the Salem-Keizer Safe Routes to School coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with local officials to improve accessibility for students traveling to and from school. She emphasized the importance of infrastructure, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, in ensuring student safety.

Schmidt highlighted the need for better communication and partnership between the city of Keizer and the Salem-Keizer School District to address safety concerns effectively. She noted that while principals are supportive of safety initiatives, there is often a disconnect in communication with the school district, which can hinder progress.

The committee discussed previous attempts to secure funding for safety projects, mentioning that past grant applications for improvements around Cummings and Kennedy schools were unsuccessful due to stringent criteria set by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Despite these setbacks, the committee remains committed to exploring alternative funding opportunities and innovative solutions, such as quick-build projects that could enhance safety without extensive costs.

The conversation also touched on the challenges posed by existing infrastructure, particularly in areas lacking sidewalks and with heavy traffic. Members expressed a desire to prioritize projects that would address these issues, particularly around Kennedy Elementary, where safety concerns have been raised.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to improving student safety through better infrastructure and collaboration among community partners, with a focus on actionable steps moving forward. The committee plans to continue discussions on potential projects and funding opportunities in future meetings.