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26 <br /> Northside Elementary School <br /> 350 Caldwell Street <br /> Chapel Hill, NC 27516 <br /> "Located on a previously developed site with nearby public transit, this 100,000-square-foot <br /> school is the heart of the neighborhood and serves as a place for community events. Northside <br /> Elementary School is home to 585 students and includes classrooms, a media center, a <br /> multipurpose room, support spaces, as well as dining and kitchen areas. Large windows in the <br /> classrooms provide natural light for the students and teachers. A building dashboard is located <br /> in the media center and is accessible to teachers who can integrate the facility's water and <br /> power usage into their lesson plans. While construction details such as skylights, solar heating, <br /> and a green roof evoke the future, the design celebrates the site's history of education by <br /> featuring a historical timeline component to the main staircase." <br /> Chair Rich asked if there are any concerns about the walk zones. <br /> Superintendent Baldwin said the district is in a good place currently. She said there had <br /> been some concerns in the past, related to hiring crossing guards, but these have been <br /> resolved. <br /> Patrick Abele said the traffic engineers for the towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill are <br /> excellent and work very well with the district. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is any data collection about how many students in <br /> the walk zone actually walk, as opposed to being driven by the parents. He asked if the <br /> distance of 1.5 miles was chosen for any reason, and noted that is rather long for a young child. <br /> He said if one lived 1.4 miles away and could walk a tenth of a mile to a bus stop, would that <br /> not be better than being driven to school. <br /> Superintendent Baldwin said the district has ongoing conversations, and listens to <br /> parent feedback and adjust accordingly. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is any idea of how many students actually walk. <br /> Superintendent Baldwin said that data does not currently exist. She said one obvious <br /> change is the increase in traffic on rainy days, which leads her to conclude that those students <br /> are walking on dry days, as the traffic is lower. She said CHCCS will start collecting data. <br /> Amy Fowler said she always see bikers and walkers at Scroggs. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said Scroggs and Rashkis are a bit unique, as they are located <br /> in planned developments. <br /> OCS <br /> Sarah Smylie reviewed the following information: <br /> The Orange County Schools is committed to providing safe, connected and engaged schools <br /> within our community. The Orange County School Boards currently has no designated <br /> "walkable school zones" within the district. School bus transportation is provided to all students <br /> with the exception of most students attending Hillsborough Elementary, as it is a school of <br /> choice. There is a small-designated transportation zone surrounding Hillsborough Elementary. <br /> Groups of parents and community members may gather and safely walk students to school <br /> from designated points; but, these paths are not identified as "walkable school zone" paths as <br /> not all are equipped with sidewalks and intersections staffed with crossing guards. <br /> Chair Rich asked if OCS walkability may change with growth. <br /> Sarah Smylie said yes, if there are safe sidewalks/routes. <br />