The City of Dardenne Prairie Board of Aldermen meeting on October 2, 2024, focused on safety concerns related to school traffic and the behavior of parents during school drop-off and pick-up times. Aldermen expressed frustration over parents dropping off their children near the school and allowing them to walk unsupervised, leading to increased traffic congestion and safety hazards in residential areas.

One key issue raised was the use of a cul-de-sac by parents who prefer to avoid waiting in line at the school. This practice has resulted in complaints from residents about blocked driveways and dangerous conditions for children crossing streets without proper sidewalks. Aldermen discussed the need for better communication with the school principal to address these concerns and discourage parents from using the cul-de-sac for drop-offs.

Additionally, the board considered the visibility of school zone signs, with suggestions to replace them with more noticeable flashing signs to alert drivers to the presence of children. Aldermen agreed on the importance of enhancing safety measures in the area, particularly given the lack of sidewalks on one side of the street, which poses risks for children walking to school.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of managing school traffic and ensuring the safety of students in Dardenne Prairie. The board plans to follow up with the school administration and explore options for improving traffic flow and safety in the vicinity of the school.