Mercer County Schools, sheriff's office urge drivers to watch for students as classes resume

Melissa Clemons, safety and security coordinator for Mercer County Schools, and Stephanie Sizem of the Mercer County Sheriff's Office urged Mercer County drivers to be cautious ahead of classes resuming Thursday, Aug. 21.

Clemons told listeners she wanted to “take a minute to remind everyone that school's starting tomorrow,” and warned that there will be “a lot more traffic on the road.” She said buses will be out early and that motorists must not pass buses when they are stopped to load or unload students. Clemons also noted a new elementary school, Timberwood, has opened in the Brushfork–Bluewell area off Airport Road and said, “the speed limit through there is 55, but you need to be mindful that there's gonna be a lot of cars and buses turning into there and leaving there.”

Sizem reiterated those precautions and emphasized pedestrian safety, saying drivers should “be aware of some children that's possibly walking to and from their bus stops” and to expect morning delays because of extra traffic. She closed by reminding residents that emergency services remain available: “if you need anything, call 911.”

The reminders are practical safety guidance rather than formal policy actions. Officials encouraged drivers to allow extra travel time during morning drop-offs, obey posted speed limits in school zones, and to stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading students. No votes or formal motions were recorded during these announcements.