School Safety

For several weeks, I have been communicating with various county officials, from the School Superintendent to the Police Support Officer regarding the safety, health and welfare of students at Clover Hill High School. A number of students are parking, illegally, in the parking lots of vacant businesses and the shopping center across the street from the school. Then, during rush hour (between 7 - 8 am), they are venturing across 6 lanes of traffic on Hull Street to Clover Hill High School between the two stop lights, one at the entrance to the school and the other in front of the fire station.

This practice is extremely hazardous for both the students and those operating vehicles at this time of the morning. Hull St from Spring Run Rd to Rt 288 is one of the busiest and most dangerous roads in Chesterfield County. According to VDOT data, over 60,000 vehicles travel this section of Rt 360 daily. The CCPS officials are understanding and have been doing what they can to address the matter. The options available to the school officials, however, are limited.

Unless the parents of these students and the owners of the property across from the school on 360 intervene to alter this behavior, something none of us wants to see or hear is destined to happen. If you are the parent of a student who drives to Clover Hill High School, I encourage you to assure yourself that your child is not needlessly endangering themselves and others by engaging in this practice.

If you are a student who is choosing to play "Russian roulette" with your life by engaging in this practice, let me encourage you to STOP IT! You are the future of Chesterfield County. You are a valuable member of your family and the Chesterfield community. There are alternatives that are far less hazardous and that don't require you to risk your life or the lives of others.

Think about it! Is the "reward" really worth the risk?