By Police Chief Steve Perez
As summer ends and a new school year begins, it’s time for all of us to refocus on keeping our students, families, and school staff safe. Teachers, we know you’re making the most of these last few days of summer break, so enjoy them while you can!
The start of the school year always brings more vehicles, more pedestrians, and more activity on our roadways. This year, Boerne will also see increased traffic with the addition of two private schools, Crestmont Christian Preparatory School (402 E. Blanco) and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School (202 W. Kronkosky).
We encourage everyone to plan for a little extra travel time, especially during the morning arrival and afternoon dismissal periods. Practice patience as our community adjusts to these new traffic patterns.
Additionally, due to continued roadway improvements, a significant portion of Adler Road will be closed just west of Curington Elementary School. Parents dropping off or picking up students will only be able to access the campus from the east via the North Plant Street and Adler Road intersection. Please consider these closures when preparing for your commute.
Related: Overview of Adler Road Closure and Construction
The Boerne Police Department will have an increased presence around schools during the opening weeks of the school year to keep traffic moving safely, assist pedestrians, and encourage compliance with school zone laws. Our officers are there to help ensure every student, parent, teacher, and staff member gets to and from school safely.
Please slow down in school zones, obey posted speed limits, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Put your phone away and give your full attention to the road. Children can be unpredictable, and a moment of inattention can have life-changing consequences.
We also ask drivers to use patience during school drop-off and pick-up times. Please follow the directions of school staff, crossing guards, and traffic control personnel. Avoid stopping in travel lanes, making illegal U-turns, or bypassing traffic in ways that create unnecessary hazards. A few extra minutes of patience helps to ensure everyone arrives safely.
Parents, take a few moments before school begins to review safety with your children. Walk or drive their route to school together, identify the safest places to cross the street, and remind them to stay alert around traffic. Encourage your children to report anything suspicious or concerning to a trusted adult, teacher, or law enforcement officer.
If your child rides the school bus, remind them to remain seated while the bus is in motion and to use caution when boarding or exiting. Drivers should also remember that Texas law requires motorists to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm.
As families finish their back-to-school shopping, remember to lock your vehicle, keep valuable items out of sight, and never leave purchases visible inside your car.
A safe school year is a community effort. By slowing down, staying alert, showing patience, and looking out for one another, we can help make this school year a safe and successful one for everyone.
On behalf of the Boerne Police Department, thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe, and best wishes to all our students, teachers, school staff, and families for a wonderful school year.
