Kennard community addresses school bus safety concerns at local council meeting

The Centreville Town Council meeting held on February 5, 2025, focused on pressing safety concerns regarding school bus operations and traffic management around local schools. Council members expressed alarm over reports of school bus drivers ignoring stop signs, particularly in the vicinity of Kennard Elementary School, where heavy pedestrian traffic from students poses significant risks.

Council President Kaiser highlighted the need for a collaborative meeting with school officials to address these issues. The discussion revealed that parents often disregard designated pick-up and drop-off protocols, exacerbating traffic congestion and creating dangerous conditions for children. Council members noted that despite previous efforts to communicate proper procedures to parents, compliance remains low.

The council also discussed the necessity of improving traffic flow around the school, suggesting that a better layout for parent pick-up and drop-off could alleviate some of the chaos. Members agreed that the school administration must take a more active role in managing these traffic patterns to ensure student safety.

In addition to school traffic concerns, the council touched on the upcoming winter weather and the responsibilities of local businesses to clear sidewalks after snowstorms. Council members proposed sending warning letters to businesses that fail to maintain safe walkways, emphasizing the importance of public safety during inclement weather.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions with school officials and a proactive approach to managing both traffic and snow removal responsibilities in the community. The council aims to enhance safety measures for students and residents alike in the face of ongoing challenges.