The 35-page report lists numerous concerns including missing crosswalks and messy drop-off areas.
A new report highlights unsafe conditions for students traveling to San Diego Unified schools, prompting school leaders to call for urgent changes.
The 35-page report, titled “Building Safe Routes to School,” stems from a survey distributed to all principals in the district and outlines critical safety issues.
Many students encounter hazards such as speeding cars, missing crosswalks, and chaotic drop-off areas, according to the report. The surveys were issued following a tragic incident last October near Pershing Middle School, where sixth grader Andrew Olsen was killed while crossing a busy road, and his two sisters were seriously injured. In the aftermath, the city installed stop signs at Jackson Drive and Lake Badin Avenue, but Olsen’s family has since sued, claiming negligence on the city’s part.
The report not only identifies the dangers but also suggests solutions. Schools are requesting more signage, reduced traffic speeds, and the installation of safer crosswalks. Additional recommendations include improved lighting, clearer parking regulations, and increased surveillance through cameras or patrol support.
“With the report now out, Superintendent Bagula has been meeting with council members and the mayor over the last few months, including our congressional members. We’ve had conversations about potential investments, what the work can look like,” said Enrique Raucho, chief of staff for Superintendent Fabi Bagula.
Raucho said he met with the city’s transportation department Monday and was sent a list of some of the projects the city has completed and some its currently working on.
“Obviously we want all those projects to be completed as soon as possible, but we know it takes some time to start checking things off the list,” said Raucho.
According to a statement released from the City of San Diego, staff has reviewed the district’s requests, completed about 41% of the evaluations, have another 39% in progress, and found 22 safety requests that are the school district’s responsibility.
According to the district’s report, the highest number of safety improvement requests came from schools in District 2 and District 4. News 8 reached out to both Council Member Jennifer Campbell and Henry Foster for a response.
Campbell told News 8 in a statement, her office works with the Transportation Department each year to prioritize traffic safety improvements, and residents can also request studies for possible calming measures like crosswalks, stop signs and flashing lights.
News 8 also reached out to Councilmember Raul Campillo, whose district includes Pershing Middle School.
He sent the following statement:
“Every child deserves a safe route to and from school. Working alongside our School District and the community, we must continue improving dangerous intersections and high traffic areas, especially those near our schools. I am committed to working closely with the School District, parents, and community partners to make sure every child in my district and across our city can safely walk or ride to and from school.”
