After major snowstorm, HCPSS and county officials outline coordination steps on sidewalks, crossing guards and student transit

A wide-ranging discussion on pedestrian safety, sidewalks and student transportation dominated the latter half of the Feb. 9 joint Board of Education and County Council meeting after a severe snow event.

Jahan Siddiqui, HCPSS director of student transportation, said the district works closely with the county’s Department of Public Works and the Office of Transportation to align sidewalk and crosswalk projects with school sites as part of the county’s Complete Streets Master Plan. Siddiqui said HCPSS provides data on students potentially impacted by sidewalk projects and adjusts bus routes in the summer based on completed improvements.

Joseph Cabade, director of public works, and Chris Jagarapu, Bureau Chief of Highways, described the limits of government sidewalk clearing. Jagarapu noted the county maintains over 3,780 roads and that there are more than 900 miles of sidewalks countywide; responsibility for clearing sidewalks typically rests with adjacent property owners. Both DPW and HCPSS said they would convene partners to improve coordination and communications for future severe events.

Transportation staff also highlighted current programs: student fares on RTA routes are free and a rapid-ride, on-demand pilot in the Route 1 corridor provides flexible rides for students; the transportation open house was rescheduled for March 3 at Miller Branch Library. Officials said some short-term actions used during the storm — such as prioritizing emergency routes and critical school walking paths — will be reviewed to determine improvements.

Why it matters: Board members repeatedly emphasized equity and safety, calling for clearer plans for overpasses, crossing guard locations and support for residents who cannot physically clear sidewalks. DPW said enforcement (fines) is in code but has not been broadly implemented after the storm; officials discussed possible partnerships with community organizations to assist elderly or disabled residents.

Next steps: staff will convene a post-storm meeting among county and school partners, publicize the March 3 transportation open house and explore communications and volunteer or vendor options for assisting with sidewalk clearance in vulnerable neighborhoods.