Teachers and students tell Piedmont council parking changes are causing hardship and safety concerns

Several teachers, students and school staff used the public forum to detail how recent parking‑designation changes have affected commuting employees and students.

"Every construction project permit a parking has decreased. We are now at a point where you have employees, almost none of which live in Piedmont … and there is no parking," said Jillian Bailey, a teacher of 15 years, explaining that custodial staff and teachers are using lunch breaks to move cars and that carrying student projects to and from work has become difficult.

Multiple high‑school students described frequent tickets and disruptions to class time. Vivian Burke, a senior, said she had received over 10 tickets in the past year, totaling more than $1,000, and said students face a choice between being tardy, receiving school referrals, or getting expensive tickets.

Elise Marks, president of the Association of Piedmont Teachers, said the problem predates the pool opening and is forcing staff to walk long distances while carrying heavy materials; she suggested adjusting two‑hour midday restrictions to better accommodate school schedules.

Council members thanked speakers and said the comments would be received as public testimony. No vote or action was taken during the meeting; council and staff signaled intention to consider the concerns when reviewing permit and parking policies.

Why it matters: teachers and school staff described both financial and safety impacts — frequent large tickets, the added physical burden of carrying supplies long distances, and students leaving class during passing periods to move cars.

What’s next: council did not immediately direct policy changes but acknowledged the community concerns and may take future agenda or staff follow‑up.