Brookland, Ark. — Traffic moved more smoothly than expected on the opening day of school for Brookland Public Schools, officials said, as adjustments to traffic patterns and schedules took effect.
A key factor was the relocation of third- and fourth-grade students to a new intermediate school built just off Highway 49B, situated away from the district’s main campus and busy thoroughfares such as Highway 49 and School Street.
Additional efforts to ease congestion included staggered start times for different campuses. Brookland Superintendent George Kennedy said this change, which offsets start times by just five minutes, made a significant difference.
Janssen Settlemoir, captain of the Brookland Police Department, agreed, noting that even minor adjustments in timing can yield major results.
“I think it’s helped tremendously,” Settlemoir said. “Anytime you can stagger it just a little bit—and five minutes doesn’t seem like much—but five minutes is a lot of cars going from one building to the next.”
Kennedy highlighted that the first morning of the school year was among the most effective starts the district has seen. He observed that typically congested streets, including School Street and Highway 49, were clearer, which sped up both drop-off and pick-up lines. Kennedy said he personally tests traffic patterns to better understand the challenges faced by students and parents.
However, lingering issues remain. Captain Settlemoir pointed out congestion near Business Highway 49 and Dixie Road, though he expects this to improve as families settle into new routines. He recommended using Pine Log Road as an alternate route to bypass heavy traffic spots.
Brookland police will continue assisting with traffic management for the next several weeks as parents, students, and staff become accustomed to the changes.
School officials expressed confidence in the steps taken but acknowledged that ongoing evaluation will be necessary to address future needs.