Roselle Schools to Receive New Safety Measures

On August 29, Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw announced the "Safe Return to School Initiative" to residents. The initiative was developed following input from crossing guards and town employees who requested assistance with school safety. Mayor Shaw expressed gratitude to his team, including Roselle Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson, the engineering team, and members of the Roselle Fire Department. Together, they conducted a study visiting each school and creating a detailed inventory of needed safety improvements.

Over the coming months, construction will take place at Roselle schools, including adding more stripes, speed bumps, new markings and signs, and eventually four-way stops at various schools. The work addresses the specific conditions identified at each location during the study phase.

Wilkerson emphasized the community responsibility component: "We want everybody to slow down. It doesn't help until we all slow down and pay attention, especially around our schools."

Beyond traffic safety measures at schools, the initiative will address other accident-prone areas throughout town simultaneously. Mayor Shaw explained: "As we're doing the school initiative part, the other components are going to be taking place at the same time. I know we have a lot of hot areas around town where accidents have been happening, and we are tackling those areas with safety measures as well."

The Safe Return to School Initiative will also include municipal mentoring programs for students facing challenges including bullying and cyberbullying. Representatives from the Roselle Police Department and Borough Council will speak on various topics throughout the year, providing direct engagement with youth on student safety and wellness issues.

Wilkerson articulated the city's comprehensive approach: "If we are here to help and be a resource, I think it's hard to ignore the kind of softer support you need to give your community." The initiative combines physical infrastructure improvements with emotional and social support for students.

Union County Life covers Roselle schools, civic initiatives, and community safety programs. Stay informed about Roselle news and school announcements on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Insider NJ

FAQ

Q: What is Roselle's Safe Return to School Initiative?
A: The Safe Return to School Initiative is a comprehensive program announced by Mayor Shaw to improve student safety. It includes traffic safety improvements at schools and mentoring programs addressing bullying and cyberbullying.

Q: What specific traffic safety improvements will be made?
A: Schools will receive new striping, speed bumps, new markings and signs, and eventually four-way stops at various locations. Improvements are based on a detailed study of each school conducted by the city's engineering team.

Q: Who developed the Safe Return to School Initiative?
A: The initiative was developed following input from crossing guards and town employees. Mayor Shaw worked with Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson, the engineering team, and members of the Roselle Fire Department to study each school and create an inventory of needed improvements.

Q: Will the initiative address safety concerns outside of schools?
A: Yes. Mayor Shaw stated that other accident-prone areas throughout town will receive safety measures simultaneously with school improvements. The city is tackling areas where accidents have been occurring.

Q: What student support programs are included in the initiative?
A: The initiative includes municipal mentoring programs for students facing challenges including bullying and cyberbullying. Representatives from the Roselle Police Department and Borough Council will speak on various topics throughout the year.

Q: When will construction and improvements begin?
A: Construction will take place over the coming months following the August 29 announcement.

Q: Where can I find more information about the Safe Return to School Initiative?
A: Contact the City of Roselle or the Mayor's Office at (732) 298-7600. Union County Life covers school safety, civic initiatives, and community programs in Roselle.