After student struck near Hunking, parent presses committee; members send emergency-response review to policy subcommittee

A Haverhill parent urged the School Committee on Dec. 12 to strengthen safety protocols after his daughter was struck by a car near Hunking School, saying the district’s staffing and response to the incident were insufficient. Parent Steve Costa described the incident and pressed for faster notification, a standing emergency-protocol agreement with police and fire dispatch, and fuller crossing-guard coverage.

Principal Tim Betty and Superintendent said staff responded by contacting the family, dispatching the school nurse and SRO, reviewing surveillance video, and working with Haverhill Police and Safe Schools to survey the site and draft recommendations. Betty said the district has staffed the Revere Street crosswalk in the interim and is implementing consultant recommendations where appropriate.

Committee members debated whether policy changes or budgeted hires are the right next step. The superintendent reported 19 crossing-guard positions in the budget with three vacancies; the city recently raised the hourly rate to attract candidates but hiring remains inconsistent. The committee voted to refer a review of emergency response and related policies — including possible EMS/dispatch coordination — to the policy and finance subcommittees for more detailed work.

Miss Collins moved the referral and Attorney Magliochetti seconded; the roll-call vote passed. The committee also instructed staff to continue coordinating with the police department, Safe Routes to School, and other external experts on site mitigation and crossing-guard placement.