Concerns over student safety took center stage at the Albert Lea Area Schools Board meeting on July 21, 2025, as officials discussed the urgent need for improved transportation solutions for students living near a hazardous intersection on State Highway 69.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing dialogue between school officials, local municipalities, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) regarding safety issues at the intersection, which has been flagged as a high-risk area due to traffic volume, speed limits, and visibility challenges. David Zang from MnDOT acknowledged the intersection's history of accidents, including a fatal incident within the past year, emphasizing the need for immediate action.

In response to growing concerns from parents about the safety of their children, particularly those in grades K-5, the board proposed a temporary transportation solution for 15 students living in the affected area. This plan would allow these students to use existing bus routes, despite being within walking distance of their schools, Sibley Elementary and Southwest Middle School. The estimated cost for this temporary service is approximately $4,764, which would be less than the cost of employing a crossing guard for the same period.

Board members expressed mixed feelings about removing the crossing guard, a long-standing safety measure, while also recognizing the necessity of addressing the hazardous conditions. The proposal aims to provide a stopgap solution for two years, during which time MnDOT plans to implement additional safety measures, such as improved signage and lighting.

As discussions progressed, board members underscored the importance of prioritizing student safety and the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving the intersection's dangers. The board is expected to vote on the transportation proposal in the coming weeks, with hopes of ensuring a safer environment for students as they navigate their routes to school.