The key issue discussed was the need to manage the significant volume of vehicles during student drop-off and pick-up times. A prominent proposal included staggering arrival and dismissal times for pre-kindergarten students to ease congestion. The board also examined the possibility of on-street parking on one side of the road, necessitating the removal of the grass buffer between the roadway and the sidewalk. Wider sidewalks, dynamic signage to enhance pedestrian safety, and radar speed indications for the school zone were also part of the proposed measures to ensure student safety and regulate vehicle speed.

The board delved into the logistics of traffic direction within the drop-off area, the placement of flashing crossing lights, and the length of the speed zone. The potential narrowing of travel lanes to make room for the proposed changes was a topic of debate as well. Additionally, the possibility of renovating and adding to the existing school building versus constructing a new, taller school structure was evaluated, with a focus on the placement of parking spots and the impact on pedestrian safety.

The discussion of traffic flow and parking extended to the handling of traffic on Charl Street. Ideas such as creating a loop from Charl Street through the lot to Haal Street were considered, but there were concerns about directing traffic onto Haal Street, a high-volume, high-speed roadway. The potential for U-turns on Charl Street and its impact on traffic and safety was also a topic of debate.

The board weighed the options for parking on Dana Road and Bodwell Road, with a proposal to allow parking on only one side to facilitate reversing direction when exiting. The reduction in play space due to the need to accommodate more students prompted questions about the inclusion of curbs to protect the sidewalk area and the lack of bike lanes. In response, shared-use wider sidewalks for bikes and pedestrians were being considered.

The financial implications of building renovations versus new construction were also explored, specifically in terms of operating costs and energy efficiency. Local residents expressed concerns about sidewalk improvements as a safer route for children biking to school, emphasizing the importance of multipurpose sidewalks.

The meeting progressed to evaluate traffic circulation and layout options for the school renovation, which included accommodating staff parking and assessing the impact on play space and traffic flow. The potential for the number of vehicles that could be accommodated during peak times was considered, alongside the need for defined areas for buses and cars during drop-offs and pickups.

Additional discussions included the use of crossing guards during afternoon pick-up times and the introduction of a rolling drop-off system in the morning. The board deliberated on the use of Charles Street land, with some members interested in exploring its potential use. Moreover, there was a analysis of the anticipated number of vehicles for morning and afternoon drop-offs, with a focus on managing the expected traffic flow and parking needs.

Finally, the board considered engineering strategies, such as signage and striping, to address parking and traffic challenges on Dana Street. A suggestion to form a partnership with a nearby church for additional parking was put forward. Further, the proposed improvements to the sidewalk on Charles Street and the creation of a multi-use path connecting P Street to Charles Street were discussed.

The meeting wrapped up with concerns about the increasing student population and the potential impact of a new senior center in proximity to the proposed school. The capacity of the new school and the consideration of a Rise program were topics of discussion, with questions raised about the decision-making process for introducing the program to the school.