School Updates Drop-Off Plan At Central Middle After Complaints

TINLEY PARK, IL — School and village officials have teamed up with police to address safety concerns surrounding pick-up and drop-off at Central Middle School, Mayor Mike Glotz told Patch.

Following multiple complaints and traffic violations along Oak Park Avenue, school administration asked the village to step in to help create a smoother system for parents to drop off students in front of the school. Previously, students could be dropped off along the busy street, but Glotz said the recent influx of car-riders has made the process more dangerous for students, drivers and the crossing guard.

"It appears to be an issue that started during COVID," Glotz said. "Since more parents want to drive their kids to keep them socially distanced or maybe their bus route is different due to the bus driver shortage and so they decide to drive them."

The new plan asks drivers not to turn left onto Oak Park Avenue from any of the school parking lots, since left turns take longer and "stop the natural flow of traffic exiting our lots," according to an email from Assistant Principal Kevin Kuzanek.

Students can be dropped off beginning at 7:30 a.m. on school days, no earlier. The most important difference, Tinley Park police said, is that cars will be prohibited from dropping off students on Oak Park Avenue.

Glotz credited Deputy Police Chief Larry Rafferty and Commander Tim Poulos for working on the new plan, which was officially implemented Monday. The first day, however, didn't come without bumps.

"Some people were ticketed for speeding in a school zone," Glotz told Patch.

Officers will be outside the building to help direct traffic when available, but Glotz said there is no guarantee officers will be there every morning or afternoon.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging school year," Kuzanek wrote in an email to parents and guardians.

A diagram of the new plan was distributed as well.