Parents in Kallison Ranch are alarmed by a malfunctioning school zone light, which they say is endangering children and families near Henderson Elementary.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Parents in the Kallison Ranch neighborhood say a malfunctioning school-zone light is putting children at risk outside Henderson Elementary, near Culebra and Galm Road.
Two sets of flashing lights are supposed to slow drivers to 20 mph during school hours, but one has been dark for about a month, according to an anonymous mother who contacted KENS 5.
“Unfortunately, these lights for the flashing school zone have been out at my son’s campus probably going on a month now,” she said. “So people who don’t see the lights basically don’t even know if it’s a school zone or not. It’s a real safety issue.”
Her concerns intensified after a truck hit a John Jay High School student Tuesday as he used a crosswalk, leaving him critically injured.
“I just thought this issue needs to be taken seriously by Bexar County,” the mother said. “Unfortunately our calls weren’t enough.”
In an email sent to parents Wednesday, Henderson Elementary’s principal said she contacted Bexar County several times requesting repairs. Northside Independent School District confirmed it does not maintain school-zone lights, which fall under city or county jurisdiction.
Parents say the neighborhood is rapidly growing and traffic is heavy with teen drivers heading to nearby Harlan High School in the mornings. Crossing guards are stationed at the campus, but families worry they can’t stop every speeding driver or protect younger children who are still learning basic street safety.
“You can’t take chances when it comes to things like that,” the mother said.
Bexar County said its contractor was notified Wednesday to repair the light and that officials followed up Thursday to ensure the work is completed quickly. The county added that it recognizes the importance of functioning school-zone flashers for students, families and the broader community.