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Board safety committee seeks extra SRO and patrols after Richards traffic concerns
Summary
A district safety committee recommended adding an SRO/traffic patrol to address student crossing and parent parking behavior at Richards High School; the board indicated support and asked administration to pursue approval.
Members of the CHSD 218 safety and security committee raised traffic and student-safety concerns at Richards High School during the May 15 board meeting and recommended additional patrols or a dedicated school resource officer (SRO).
Board members said students frequently cross a busy street outside designated crosswalks and parents often stop unpredictably to drop off children. The committee reported meeting with school administrators and local police and discussed adding a traffic patrol car and a shared SRO who would split duties between Richards and the district administrative center.
During committee remarks, a board member said the recommendation would "help purchase paint" for improved markings and provide an extra officer who could also cover board meetings and administrative needs. The committee noted the Palos Heights Police Department could provide street support pending board approval. Dr. Roberts, district administration, indicated support and advised bringing the proposal to the full board for action and approval.
What happens next: the committee will seek Palos Heights Police support and bring a formal proposal (including cost and scheduling) to the board for approval. The board described the recommendation as justified by prior incidents and a long-standing concern about morning traffic at Richards.
