District to change parent drop‑off and pickup after safety audit; fence constrained by easement

District staff told the board an audit by the Wisconsin School Safety Coordinators Association and follow‑up site visits with local law enforcement identified parent drop‑off and pickup as the district’s most pressing safety concern. The district said it will implement changes at the start of the school year and produce explanatory material to reduce parent confusion and improve safety.

Staff emphasized that safety adjustments are intended to reduce chaotic traffic and limit unauthorized parking near play areas. The presentation noted the district had hoped to extend a fence to the original alignment on School Street but discovered a Salem Lakes easement prevents the change, which constrains physical options. District staff said they are working with the sheriff’s department and community members on alternative plans and will run an informational video and outreach so families understand the reasons for changes.

The district framed the changes as necessary even if they create short‑term inconvenience: “We know that safety and security is never convenient… but we want our school to be safe and we want our kids to be safe,” one staff member said. Board members welcomed the plan and suggested an open house and a controlled ribbon‑cutting for the playground so families can see changes before school starts.