SAN ANTONIO – A school located on a major road on San Antonio’s Northeast Side is leaving parents concerned about safety when dropping off and picking up their children.

As students walk toward the IDEA Walzem campus, cars are approaching quickly on Walzem Road, where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour.

“I’ve personally observed many fender benders. I haven’t seen kids get hurt yet, but it’s only a matter of time before a child gets hurt around here,” said Anne Ottinger, mother of a second grader.

Ottinger fears the amount of traffic, high speeds, lack of lighting and lanes combined with the intensity with which children are picked up and dropped off could result in an accident.

“Besides the traffic, have you ever seen kids crossing three or four lanes to get to school?” asked KSAT Reporter John Paul Barajas.

“That’s right, instead of entering the school campus to drop off their child, the parent will stop in traffic and stop traffic and let their child go from there to campus,” Ottinger said. .

Ottinger says her daughter has been attending IDEA Walzem for the past three years. He added that he brought his concerns to the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of San Antonio Department of Public Works about a year and a half ago but did not see any change.

“How much more do you need to do before you act?” said Ottinger.

KSAT reached out to Idea Public Schools and sent us the following statement:

IDEA Public Schools Official Statement

“IDEA Walzem is aware of concerns about traffic near campus. Campus staff is contacting TxDOT to request a school zone. School staff continue to encourage parents to follow proper procedures and traffic rules during drop-off and pick-up times. “We are committed to listening to the concerns of our parents and citizens and will continue to address specific concerns by collaborating with appropriate city agencies as necessary,” the statement said.

KSAT also reached out to TxDOT, which issued a statement:

“FM 1976 (Walzem Rd) is a state maintained highway. However, since the city owns and maintains the traffic lights, the city will be responsible for the school district. Our staff has been communicating with the school and the city regarding this concern for some time. “TxDOT is currently working with the city to secure federal funding for a project.”

“Please do not put a price tag on a child’s safety or life. You are aware of this. You need to take action,” Ottinger said.

KSAT requested funding and a timeline for when additional safety measures could be implemented, but a TxDOT spokesperson said there is no timeline at this time.