New crosswalks to be installed in partnership with city

PRESCOTT – In appreciation for their dedication to the Prescott School District during the COVID-19 pandemic, hourly employees of the district will receive a bonus check.

The Prescott School Board voted unanimously at its meeting Wednesday, March 30 to make payments of $400 to hourly employees who have been with the district the entire school year. Those who haven’t been on board all year will receive checks in a prorated amount.

Superintendent Dr. Rick Spicuzza said the payments will total approximately $40,000.

“We have been disrupted for three academic years. As you know, as a board, you have been strident in identifying ways to financially reward some of our staff who have been here and filling in for each other,” he said.

Money is available in the budget because some district expenses can be covered with federal pandemic recovery funds.

Spicuzza pointed out that a similar payment went to teaching staff at the start of this school year.

These payments will go to office staff, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and teacher aides.

“I’m just really happy we’re able to do this,” said school board member Vicki Rudolph. “A lot of these individuals have played a huge part in helping us in the last few years. It’s nice to be able to thank them for all of the work they put in.”

“I wish it could be more,” said Board Vice President Steve Sizemore.

“It’s very appropriate,” said board member Tanya Holub. “This is a group of professionals that are the unsung heroes in our school district.”

Crosswalks

The district is working in cooperation with the City of Prescott to add crosswalk systems in three locations to make it safer for students who walk to school.

The proposal would be to add two crosswalks along St. Croix Street, one at Campbell and one at the school. An additional crosswalk system will be installed a block from the school on Filkins Street at a new residential development. The city will also be installing, at its expense, a sidewalk along the south side of Campbell Street in front of the Intermediate School.

The school district and city will split the approximate $30,000 cost of installing the crosswalk systems, which will have a button pedestrians can press to activate a warning light on the crosswalk sign.

“We’re often concerned, specifically in the dark in the fall and winter of the cars that don’t always abide by our crosswalks,” said Spicuzza, who noted that the systems being installed are also in place in River Falls.

Funding would come out of the district facility budget, Spicuzza said.

The district will send a letter to the city, indicating its willingness to partner on the project. The proposal will move to the Prescott City Council for approval.

“It’s kind of a no-brainer that we need to do this,” said Sizemore.

Holub agreed.

“We’re a growing community. This is a very busy intersection in our town,” she said. “This is great. It’s just a really good partnership.”

The plan is for installation of the crosswalk systems this summer.

A map showing locations where crosswalk systems will be installed near Intermediate School. The City of Prescott also plans to install sidewalk on one side of St. Croix Street. Photo courtesy of the Prescott School District