School Safety Subcommittee Meeting 9/2/2026

The School Safety Subcommittee of the SPS School Committee convened on September 2, 2026, to discuss several informational items primarily focused on student transportation and school safety. Key procurement-related discussions included the review of traffic management and safety plans for Washington Street Elementary School, highlighting ongoing issues with traffic congestion, parking, and pedestrian safety during school drop-off and pick-up times. The subcommittee discussed recommendations for traffic pattern changes, signage, and enforcement, noting the need for collaboration with the Department of Public Works and city authorities to implement solutions. Additionally, the meeting addressed transportation protocols, specifically the hand-to-hand student transfer process on buses, and the operation of the SPS Students Care Center, which supervises students not immediately picked up by guardians. The subcommittee emphasized the importance of communication improvements, including the use of a transportation app to notify parents. Finally, the committee reviewed a new policy in compliance with the Protect Act regarding federal immigration enforcement in schools, with plans to bring the policy to the full committee for a vote. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were discussed, but the meeting underscored the need for interagency coordination and potential future procurement actions related to traffic control and transportation services.