Peabody school board member concerned over safety of students

PEABODY – School Committee member Brandi Carpenter raised concerns over the safety of Peabody’s school children on election days during the regular scheduled meeting Tuesday night.Her concerns come in the aftermath of the tragic accident that occurred in Randolph during the Presidential Primary last week.The incident involved an 86 year-old man who struck a young girl with his car while on his way to the polling station. The young girl was placed in intensive care, but has since recovered, according to Carpenter, who spoke with representatives from Randolph Schools.”What I saw didn’t make me happy,” said Carpenter of her own experience on Super Tuesday in Peabody.Carpenter noted that on any other day of the school year, visitors must follow strict procedures before entering or leaving any building. A visitor must buzz the main office, state their name, wait to be allowed entrance, then sign in with the school’s secretary, listing their destination within the building. They must also sign out.”Anyone can walk in to vote on Election Day,” said Carpenter. “Thousands of people walk through that day. We’re teaching lockdown drills, yet letting all these people into our schools.”Carpenter said that parking is also a problem that needs to be addressed. She cited people parking in fire lanes for lack of available spots and parents directing traffic to those who “don’t understand bus traffic.””It’s an absolute nightmare,” she said. “I’m extremely concerned with the Presidential Election coming up. It’s going to be huge.”The staff at the Burke School voiced their concerns in a letter to the Committee.”The constant flow of traffic presents a safety concern for students and for parents and siblings who walk our students to and from school,” the letter states. “We should never see this duplicated at our school.” Over 25 signatures graced the bottom of the letter.Fellow committee member Beverly Ann Griffin Dunne shared similar concerns.”The accident in Randolph could happen anywhere on any day, but traffic is compounded on Election Day,” she said.”I’d like to not see anyone voting in schools, but I think I’ll take baby steps,” said Carpenter, motioning the Committee to discuss closing schools to improve safety of students during elections.They voted unanimously in favor of Carpenter’s motion, and the appropriate Subcommittee will now discuss the issue.