08/23/2026
SPD & SPS Remind Drivers that the School Year Begins Monday
Springfield, Mass. --- On behalf of the Springfield Police Department, Springfield Public Schools and the city of Springfield, High School of Commerce Graduates Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno along with Classical High School Graduate Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall would like to remind drivers in the city that the first day of school is fast approaching. On Monday August 24th there are going to be thousands of children, crossing guards and school buses on our streets as the school year gets underway.
In a school-zone the speed limit is 20 MPH. Everyone is urged to please slow down, put your phone down and pay attention behind the wheel. Also, for parents who drop-off/pick-up their children; please abide by each individual schools' pick-up and drop-off procedure to maintain a steady flow of traffic to ensure the safety of students, teachers, staff and parents.
It is illegal for drivers to pass a school bus with its stop arm out and red lights flashing. When you see yellow lights on a bus that means slow down and prepare to stop. Red lights mean you must stop in both directions.
Superintendent Akers stated, “This is an exciting time as our students, teachers and staff are ready to begin a new school year. We as a community need to work together to keep our kids safe. We want to stress to our parents and drivers, the importance of being extra vigilant with students getting on and off buses, walking to school and exiting and entering the school grounds. Parents and guardians, please let your children know if they see anything out of the ordinary at or on their way to school to immediately alert a police officer or a trusted adult. Your child’s safety is our top priority.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “As we welcome our students, staff and families back to school it is important for everyone to take notice and not drive distracted. I echo Superintendent Akers’ call for care and vigilance. Please, we urge drivers to stay alert and recognize that our buses, students and crossing guards will be out starting Monday, August 25th.” Mayor Sarno continues, "Our brave and dedicated men and women in blue will be out there to keep everyone safe and sound, especially our children, families and staff, to make sure that everyone gets to and from school safe and sound. Please pay attention to the road and please slow down and stop for our buses when you see the red lights flashing and for our crossing guards. Our buses and crossing guards are caring for our precious and beloved children, please respect that and let them safely do their jobs."
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sonia Dinnall stated, “As we welcome our students back for a new school year, I ask everyone in our community to make their safety a shared responsibility. Slow down near our schools, stay alert for students walking and boarding buses, and put distractions aside when you are behind the wheel. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference. I thank Mayor Sarno, Police Superintendent Akers, our crossing guards, families and the entire Springfield community for doing their part to help every student get to school safely, ready to learn and ready for a great year.”
The Springfield Police, Springfield Public Schools and Mayor Sarno all want our students in the city of Springfield to have a safe and happy school year.
