The Board unanimously approved an unusually hazardous transportation (UHT) plan for a crossing near Schrader Road after a multi‑agency review. Scott Chiak, senior executive director of building services, told trustees the site lacked rapid rectangular flashing beacons and a crossing guard and that 40 students were being stranded on an island north of Schrader Road.
Chiak said the district engaged the city’s Safe Routes to School team and Dane County Sheriff’s Department; those partners recommended treating the site as a hazardous walking area. The district has already begun adjusted bus routing for the area and plans to submit a formal UHT application to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Chiak described ongoing coordination with traffic engineering, police, the city plant commission, and Vision Zero initiatives to add infrastructure (crosswalks, beacons, crossing guards) where appropriate.
Board members praised the cross‑agency collaboration and asked about how other non‑road hazards (for example, tunnels) are handled; staff described lighting improvements and municipal sweeps for those areas.
What’s next: district staff will submit the UHT to DPI and continue working with city partners to pursue engineering and enforcement solutions for hazardous crossings.