TYLER, Texas — In 2015, a group of fourth graders at Tyler ISD's TJ Austin Elementary School grabbed the attention of a city councilman regarding an issue that felt important enough to propose a solution.
“We’ve never had any reported incidents of students being injured," TJ Austin Principal Brandy Holland said. "However, on my way to work, I have seen parents walking in the streets with their babies, and I’ve had to go around them.”
Students convinced Councilman Ed Moore, who represents the area, that sidewalks would lead to a more safe commute for students who walk to and from the school. Four years ago, he vowed to see the idea through before leaving office, which will be in May of this year.
On Friday, he upheld that promise.
“I think it’s pretty honorable of Councilman Ed Moore to actually honor his commitment that he made to those students who felt that it was very important for them to express their voice for the safety of our students and this community," Holland said.
Holland was not principal when the project was first conceived in 2015.
However, in the three years she has been T.J. Austin's principal, she has witnessed walkers being forced to tread across private property or in the street to avoid being hit by passing cars.
“About a third of our students walk home every day," Holland said. "There are sidewalks around the perimeter of our school, but there are no sidewalks in our community. Our students and their parents are having to walk either on private property or in the streets, which is not safe.”
In addition to providing a more safe commute for students, she expects the sidewalks will also help to provide connectivity in the community, including access to local businesses.
"The project not only benefits our students, but it also benefits the elderly in the community," Holland said. There are a lot of people who walk this community, and as you can see, the ground is not leveled. There are no sidewalks for them."
Two quarter-mile-long sidewalks will be installed on the west side of Moore Street, from Franklin Street to Cochran Street, and on the west side of Palace Street, from Franklin Street to Queen Street.
The installation will cost $280,000. The Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is funding the project.
"We are the voice of the people, and I think that it's important that we're training our students now to become active citizens in our community, and to exercise all the rights that they have, and one of those is their voice," Holland said.
The project is expected to be complete before the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.