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Board, county and city discuss crosswalk, signage and flashing lights near school; joint upgrades planned
Summary
District officials, county staff and a deputy sheriff met to review crosswalk locations, signage placement and possible sidewalk improvements. The county agreed to move signs and consider shared funding for a sidewalk landing; flashing lights remain the district's responsibility.
St Clair County Schools board members and staff reported on a joint site meeting with county officials and law enforcement about pedestrian crosswalks and signage near the school campus.
District representatives said county staff advised that some signs were placed too close to crosswalks and should be moved 40–50 feet back. School staff reported that the county acknowledged older signs and agreed to review replacement timing and sign condition. The board and staff also raised a crosswalk behind a nearby business that county staff said "leads to nothing" because it does not connect to a sidewalk; county staff flagged that a crosswalk should lead to a sidewalk and suggested removing or relocating it unless a landing is built.
Board members and county staff discussed a potential 15‑foot platform sidewalk at a curb curve to provide a safe standing area for students before crossing. County staff indicated that such a curb and sidewalk would likely be cost‑shared between the county and city if both bodies approve the work; flashing light units would be a district responsibility if the board chose to pursue them.
County staff also reviewed solar‑powered blinking lights installed at some crossings and noted research showing that blinking lights can lose effectiveness over time. Board members said the lights have increased driver awareness in the short term, and county staff said they would check sign placement and replacement schedules. A deputy recommended possible deployment of a solar speed radar box on a nearby pole to measure traffic speeds.
The board asked staff to continue coordination with county and city officials, to follow up with the neighbor affected by a proposed sidewalk, and to bring cost estimates and a plan for any flashing lights or sidewalk landing to a future meeting.
