Centerville City Schools told the board Tuesday that the city-led Dimco Way project and related on-campus work will change how drivers reach and drop off students at Centerville High School, with officials stressing safety for hundreds of fine-arts students who transport large instruments.
The district's operations staff said the city expects to complete the current phase of Dimco Way on Aug. 4 and to open the road on Aug. 11, and that the district is coordinating signs, striping and communications for a staggered transition.
School staff described multiple changes intended to reduce congestion and improve drop-off safety: a new back-of-South drop-off area that provides direct theater access for band and fine-arts students; a bus/pickup lane at the athletic entrance; widened gates and added handicap parking near the stadium; and restriping of the south lot. The staff member presenting said the back-of-South drop-off will let parents enter from Clio Road, drop students, and exit without using Main Street or Franklin.
Why it matters: presenters and parents said the changes affect routine travel for several hundred arts students who carry large instruments and attend early morning and evening rehearsals, increasing the stakes for clear signage and enforced traffic patterns.
Parents who spoke during public comment sought clearer communication and safer pickup options. Christine Smith, a parent and president of the Centerville Band Boosters, told the board: "It is vital that there is clear communication to all families about the changes and clear signage and road markings to keep our family safe." Brad Shepherd, a Washington Township resident and parent, echoed that concern and urged the district to consult fine-arts staff and group leaders when finalizing routes.
Board members and staff said the district will publish maps and videos for families and begin phased communications immediately; staff said some traffic markings and signs cannot be installed until the city opens the second lane and paving is complete. The presenter said: "We can't really officially make all the changes that we need to and accommodate 2 way traffic until that other lane gets opened up."
The district also plans a drone video and communications package once paving is finished. Staff advised families that the district will continue to allow current patterns during the transition but encourages use of the new back-of-South lot for band pickups when practical.
Discussion vs. decision: the board received the update and discussed communications and timing; no formal policy change or vote was taken. Staff described next steps and committed to coordinated messaging with the city and installation of signs as soon as the contractor schedules them.
Ending: The district said it will provide maps, signage and video guidance to families before the first day of school and will monitor the transition, with final lane openings tied to the city's Aug. 11 schedule.