Installation begins on new school zone safety signage around Marion County

INDIANAPOLIS — More than 20 Marion County schools will have more safety protection for students as they walk and bike to school moving forward.

Installation is underway for new safety technology outside of the following schools.

• A Children's Habitat
• Allegiant Preparatory Academy
• Brookside School 54
• Building Blocks Academy
• Cardinal Ritter High School
• Christ Temple Christian Academy
• Christel House Academy West
• Clearwater Elementary School
• Fortune Academy
• Indianapolis Southside Christian Academy
• Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center
• Marian University Preparatory School
• Matchbook Learning
• Shepherd Community Academy
• Vision Academy at Riverside
• Wayne Preparatory Academy
• Worthmore Academy
• Christ Church Christian Academy
• Hagia Sophia Classical Academy
• Indy West Christian School
• James Whitcomb Riley School 43
• Maria Montessori International Academy
• Herron Preparatory Academy

The new technology includes flashing beacon technology. The city says the new technology is solar powered and designed to match each schools schedule. The city says they flash an hour before and an hour after the morning bell, then thirty minutes before the afternoon bell and then 90 minutes after that. The goal is to make sure roughly 200 schools around Marion County have this new technology.
"Indianapolis Public Schools is proud to be part of this major safety initiative from the City of Indianapolis and DPW,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. “The investment in and installation of flashing safety beacons at or near schools within the IPS district and throughout Marion County is yet another way to improve the safety of students and families as they travel to and from schools.”

The money for the new technology comes from the cities 5-year, $1.2 billion capital plan. In the 2024 budget, Mayor Joe Hogsett plans on adding $25 million for residential street improvements. Along with that, $5 million in funding for alley repairs over the next three years.

“We all share a responsibility to ensure all road users get to their destination safely,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “When you pass an active school zone beacon, slow down and pay extra attention to ensure our kids – the most vulnerable pedestrians in our city - get to and from school safely.”