Parents urge Tempe Union to press city for protected crossing after student struck

Two parents asked the Tempe Union High School District board on Tuesday to press the City of Tempe to install a protected pedestrian crossing on McClintock Drive near Corona del Sol Estates, saying students who walk or bike to Corona del Sol lack a safe crossing.

"As concerned parents and community members, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our students," said Nicole Gutierrez Miller, who told the board students leaving the Corona del Sol Estates housing area must jaywalk or travel up to Warner Road to cross safely. She asked the board to use its voice and advocacy with city officials to pursue a crossing at McClintock Drive and L'viv/Caroline lanes.

Nicole Leonardi said her 15-year-old daughter, a freshman at Corona del Sol, was struck by a car on March 29 while biking home from school. "My daughter was not the first to be hit and until something changes she will not be the last," Leonardi said, adding her neighborhood has collected signatures in support of safer crossings. Leonardi told the board she created a petition earlier the same day and had gathered about 190 signatures by the afternoon.

Both speakers acknowledged the district does not directly control street infrastructure, but asked trustees to advocate to city staff and elected officials for expedited action. The board acknowledged the concern during public comment and Member Hodge encouraged parents with concerns to raise them at the City Council if appropriate.

The board did not take formal action on the request during Tuesday's meeting; public comment rules limit immediate board action to directing staff to study a matter or scheduling it for future consideration.