Santa Rita board presses city on McKinnon road work after closure notice; district seeks traffic controls for first day of school

The Santa Rita Union School District told parents and the school board that a posted road closure on McKinnon North — currently scheduled July 25 through Aug. 1 — could disrupt student drop-off and pedestrian access when classes resume, and the district said it is coordinating with the city to secure traffic control and supervision.

The issue matters because McKinnon Elementary families rely on the McKinnon North route for morning access; district leaders said they are seeking city commitments to support safe routes, supervision and access for staff on the first teacher day, Aug. 1.

Quether Smith, director of engagement and school climate, told the board the district has been ‘‘in direct communication with several of the city folk in charge’’ and that the district’s operations staff are attending the contractor’s weekly meeting to press for safe‑route measures. ‘‘We worked with the city today to make sure that they understood that they need access to that road starting on the first,’’ Smith said. She added the district had been told the closure signage is scheduled to be removed so teachers can access the site on Aug. 1.

Board members raised specific safety concerns about parents walking children across active work zones and the potential for vehicle congestion at nearby crossings. A board member asked, "What is the city going to do to ensure the safety of our parents walking their kids to school?" Smith responded that the city had committed to increased support and supervision and that district staff, including operations supervisor Victor, would continue to monitor conditions and adapt drop‑off plans during the first days of school.

Smith cautioned that the biggest challenge is expected to be driver congestion rather than sidewalk access: "It's the drivers that are gonna cause a challenge," she said, noting that sidewalks on the walking side are not currently scheduled for construction and that the crossing signals remain in place for now.

The board discussed contingency steps that staff may take during the first weeks of school — increased staff presence, potential shuttle or parent volunteers, and close coordination with the contractor and city traffic staff — but did not adopt a formal motion or binding directive. District staff said they would continue direct advocacy with the city and return with operational updates as conditions are clarified.

For parents who cannot access the school because of construction, Smith reminded the community that district registration support is available at the district office and online.