New Sidewalk To Save $70,000

By Bruce Kettelle

A new sidewalk to connect the new Trotwood Madison High School campus to the Olde Town area will save the district $70,000 a year. The move supported by the school board will allow 160 more students to walk to school allowing the district to eliminate two busses from their fleet.

John Smith, the district’s business manager, made the recommendation after an internal study by the transportation staff. “The only section of sidewalk not complete along North Broadway is in front of the North Broadway Park,” said Smith. He said the work is estimated to cost about $36,500.

He said the work will not be completed in time for this school year which begins August 17. Beginning in the fall 2010 thirty elementary students, forty middles school students, and ninety high school students will be able to walk up to a mile to school.

Board member Vanessa Jeter Freeman asked about connecting the Broadm0or subdivision to the rear of the campus. “When we built the high school we had some parents asking for that connection.,” said Freeman.

Assistant Superintendent Rexanne Beverley said that even though some supported the Broadmoor connection some residents that live near that possible walkway are concerned about students trespassing in their yards.

Smith agreed to revisit the additional Broadmoor sidewalk and bring more information to the board at a future meeting.