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Students urge more visible crosswalks; board approves new student representative
Summary
Local students asked the board to back more visible, high‑signage crosswalks and a petition for school‑zone safety; the board listened and said staff would follow up. The board also approved sophomore Abby Robles Vasquez as a student representative by general consent.
Three local students completing master’s degrees in social work addressed the Everett school board on May 26 to press for expanded, high‑visibility crosswalks and enhanced signage in school zones.
"We have seen a significant reduction in speeding as well as I don't think we have had a car accident in those areas since the installation," said Alexa Wright, citing improvements near Horizon Elementary and urging the board to coordinate with the City of Everett and the city council on possible expansions. The students offered flyers and a petition and asked the district whether there were specific concerns the district wanted raised with the city.
Board president Tracy Mitchell thanked the speakers and said the board would have an internal discussion; she noted the board does not decide city funding and that staff would follow up with the petitioners. No board member made a formal motion at the meeting; the public‑comment period is for the board to listen and for staff to provide written responses to speakers.
Later in the meeting the board approved, by general consent, the student board representative appointment recommended by the selection committee. Everett High School sophomore Abby Robles Vasquez was approved to serve a term beginning Sept. 8, 2026, through June 2028; Abby told the board she was honored and intends to represent student voices.
Why it matters: Crosswalk visibility and school‑zone enforcement affect student safety and may require coordination among the district, the city and public works. The petitioners said they have already discussed the idea with the city council and sought the board’s support in elevating the issue.
Next steps: The board said staff would follow up with the petitioners and send written responses to public commenters. The board scheduled no formal vote or policy decision on crosswalks at this meeting.
