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District defers cost‑share decision on Willis Avenue crosswalk after mayor offers grant partnership option
Summary
The board heard parent safety concerns at a sidewalk intersection near the high school and tabled a motion on cost sharing with the city; Mayor Omira said the city could partner this year or the project could be submitted for a Safe Routes to School grant that would cover the full cost but take longer and is not guaranteed.
Parents and staff raised concerns about a stretch of sidewalk near the high school where a path empties onto Willis Avenue and students cross to nearby neighborhoods. District staff and the parent safety committee described repeated near‑misses and proposed installing a push‑button, flashing crosswalk to improve student safety.
Mayor Omira told the board the city is willing to partner on a cost share that could make construction feasible this year; alternatively, the district and city could pursue a Safe Routes to School grant that would pay the full cost but would push the project to next year and is not guaranteed. The mayor said, “It would pay for the whole project but it's a long process and you're not guaranteed the funds.”
Board members discussed using city crews and district staff to reduce contractor costs and a project breakout that estimated about $15,000 for sidewalk removal components. Several trustees agreed more detailed cost estimates and grant timelines were needed before committing district funds.
Why it matters: The crossing sits near a school access point and district parents told the board the location creates frequent safety hazards. The decision affects whether the district allocates local funds this fiscal year or waits for potential grant funding.
What’s next: The board voted to table the cost‑share decision and asked staff to work with the mayor’s office to evaluate the grant option and cost participation; the item is expected to return to the board in May or June with more documentation.
