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Board authorizes superintendent to seek signage to limit Maplewood path access during school hours
Summary
The Somersworth School Board on May 13 authorized the superintendent to work with the city to post signage limiting public access to the Maplewood (Bartlett Ave) path during school hours, citing student safety concerns and clarifying existing signage.
The Somersworth School Board voted May 13 to authorize the superintendent to work with the city to post signage clarifying public access restrictions for the Maplewood path that runs from Bartlett Avenue to the middle- and high-school campus.
Board members said the path runs within feet of school playgrounds and that an incident prompted renewed attention. Superintendent (unnamed in the transcript) explained the board’s intent: to “post signage on the Maplewood Path … restricted to public during school hours and school days,” while coordinating with the city manager and city staff to ensure the signage and enforcement are implemented collaboratively.
Board members discussed a misunderstanding over existing signs, which they said address motor-vehicle access rather than pedestrian public access. The superintendent said the district has spoken with the city manager and that, while federal grant rules can complicate altering public access to federally funded property, the city and district would “work something out” that balances safety and any federal requirements.
A motion to authorize the superintendent to contact the city council and request collaborative posting of signage was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board did not adopt final language for the signs at the meeting; the action authorized staff to negotiate wording, hours and placement with city officials and return with details if needed.
