MCSO, Sheriff David Harper
Contributor
I am aware of the many complaints, concerns, and frustrations regarding the school related traffic at Madison Creative Arts Academy caused during the parent drop off in the morning at the beginning of the school day and once again at the end of the school day during parent pick up times. I share the same concerns and frustrations. The main issue is the turning lane simply is not adequate in length to accommodate the number of vehicles during these times.
I am aware that north bound traffic backs up and vehicles are causing obstructions in the north bound lane because there is insufficient roadway shoulder width to accommodate vehicles pulling completely onto the shoulder. Most of the traffic is north bound and forcing that number of vehicles to pass the school to turn around in every available driveway, intersection and ditch would create a large issue as well. There is also south bound traffic, but it is minimal compared to the north bound traffic, and there is no south bound turning lane. We can allow south bound traffic to turn into the line onto the campus IF there is a space. The north bound lane is already obstructed, and we cannot back up the south bound lane as well. We must maintain some form of passible roadway for motorists who are not going to school. This is further complicated by getting school buses in and out of the campus.
There have been numerous requests from the community to have a specific School Resource Deputy direct traffic at this location. The School Resource Deputies operate by my authority, however, they are under contract with the Madison County School District. During contract negotiations for this school year, the School Superintendent expressed that the district wanted all contractual School Resource Deputies performing their essential duties to include directing school zone traffic at the Madison County public schools. This excludes independently operated charter schools. Charter school zones will be monitored by patrol deputies. School Resource Deputies and other deputies will continue to respond to threats of violence and criminal complaints at all schools in Madison County. School Resource Deputies who have been certified to instruct DARE will continue as well.
I am making this information public because I am a transparent sheriff and I operate a transparent sheriff’s office. I am in no way pointing fingers or making excuses. My team and I will continue to do our absolute best to serve our community. I humbly ask that frustrations not be directed at my deputies. I will carry that weight for them. Thank you.