Two residents who live across from the new Richland High School told the board they are worried students walking to school this fall will face unsafe conditions without a signal, marked crosswalk or crossing guards.

Brandon Story, an elected director of the Elm Ridge Water Control District, said Elm Ridge has been a willing partner on infrastructure requests but wants assurance the district and city will ensure safe routes for students. "I come here to ask Prosper ISD to give Artesia residents some assurance that their students will not be the victims of neglect on the way to school this fall," he said.

Tim Holden, a parent and Artesia resident, told the board he expects several hundred students will walk routes involving Fish Trap Road and Teal Drive and said "there's not going to be crossing guards. There's not going to be a crosswalk and there will not be a light there," calling the planned walking pattern "not a safe or realistic solution." He asked what the district can do immediately, including funding part of a traffic signal, arranging temporary crossing guards, or working with the city and county.

Dr. Ferguson responded that the town of Prosper began collaborating with Elm Ridge on the issue in 2023 and that district staff have participated in the conversations. "We do realize that coming out of that Elm Ridge Water District in Artesia that we'll have hundreds of kids, that will be trying to get across that street," he said, and added: "we are getting a little bit closer to nailing down some specifics." He did not state a final commitment on funding or a timeline during the meeting.

Ending: Both residents asked the board for district participation in a shared solution; district staff said work is ongoing with the town of Prosper and Elm Ridge and that more specifics are being negotiated.