From the Safe Routes to School Committee - July 30, 2021 

The Safe Routes to School Committee has been working in collaboration with the SHIP program, the Cook County Highway Department, the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, ISD 166, and Great Expectations School to bring a proposal to the County Board to officially designate the school zone in the area of ISD 166 and GES.

After collecting all of the necessary data, the proposal was presented to the Public Safety Committee, then to the Committee of the Whole throughout June and July.  On July 27th, the County Board approved the adoption of Resolution #2021-37, Establishment of a School Speed Zone.  Through this official designation, the school zone speed limits become enforceable during the hours before and after school.   

The Cook County Highway Department is working through the process to update the signage for the school zone.  It is our hope to have the signs installed this fall, or possibly in the spring. 

“So many people came together for this effort.  I am grateful to have worked with such a committed group of people who truly value the safety of our local youth, as well as active transportation, including walking and biking to school.” Andrea Orest, SRTS/SHIP Coordinator.

For more information about Safe Routes to School contact SRTS Coordinator, Andrea Orest, at 218-877-8262 or [email protected].  You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cookcountyshipsaferoutestoschool 

*Please note that the Safe Routes to School committee, Minnesota Department of Health, and Statewide Health Improvement Partnership work together to encourage walking and biking to school, but do not assume liability for anyone’s commute to or from school.