Less than 24 hours after I launched this blog Saturday, Dr. Geri Berger, principal of Brandeis High School reached out to me, and we had a phone conversation on Monday. I am sharing the notes of that conversation with you below, which she has reviewed at my request.

• First, Dr. Berger enthusiastically welcomes the wellspring of community voices that are coalescing. She has been pressing the City and working with the district for over six years trying to get this issue addressed. Here is an overview:

• She and her staff have steadily provided lots of quantitative data to the city about things like numbers of accidents and police reports, etc.

• She’s been in conversations with city officials many, many times. And she met with Councilman Pelaez shortly after he moved into office. When they first met and he asked what her concerns were, safety on the street in front of the school was the first thing she told him. Since then, she’s had multiple communications with his staff.

• Three surveys have been conducted over the years. (We don’t need another one.)

• So far, BHS has been able to get the school zone speed limit reduced to 25 mph and to get the crosswalks installed. But that’s clearly not enough.

• Both intersections are a concern, not just the east entrance to BHS.*

• The situation has worsened with the opening of the Kyle Seale Parkway connection to the east of the school and with the new construction on Bandera & 1604.

The ball is in the City’s court, so to speak. That’s where we will need to direct our calls and letters. As I learn more specifically who to reach out to, I’ll let you know.

I must also add that the passion that Dr. Berger has for the Brandeis students and community and for their safety was overwhelmingly clear! She will not give up – nor will we!

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*I stand corrected on my previous statement that the proposed light at the west entrance is not useful.