Written by Amanda Coers – Rick Phelps met with the Brown County Commissioners’ Court on January 17th to ask for help to keep Victory Life Academy students safe.
“This is an issue of safety,” Phelps began in his address before the county commissioners. “In the past 18 months there’s been four wrecks with injuries right outside the drive that goes into Victory Life.” Phelps is a teacher and coach at the Christian school, which operates in partnership with Victory Life Church at 901 C C Woodson Road in Brownwood. The school currently enrolls over 100 students.
The school, along with the church, is located in an odd position, between the Brownwood and Early city limits, and is classified as Brown County, though it has a Brownwood address. The posted speed limit for that particular stretch of road is 45 miles per hour, and drivers often travel at speeds of 60 or faster.
“It’s gotten to a point now where it’s dangerous and something needs to be done,” said Phelps.
Phelps and the county commissioners discussed the possibility of installing flashing school zone signs with a school hours speed limit of 20 miles per hour to be in effect. There are two school caution signs currently posted near the campus. Those signs are not lighted and a school hours speed limit is not imposed.
Brown County Judge Ray West noted there would most likely be a process involved should the county choose to install the flashing signs and impose a speed limit change, which would include posting public notice, allowing for public commentary during commissioners’ court, and possibly a hearing.
“You have a consensus of interest from the court,” Judge West told Phelps. “We’ll have to check the procedure, check with TxDot, check the cost, check the availability of electricity.”
“I just want the kids to be safe,” said Phelps.
The school is left with the burden of raising funds to purchase the safety signs. The school has received bids for the signs, with the two lowest bids being in the $6,000 to $7,000 range. A GoFundMe page has been started in an effort to raise the money: www.gofundme.com/school-zone-lights
A message posted on the fundraising website reads:
“We are asking for everyone’s help in purchasing these lights. This would not only be a benefit for the aforementioned, but other drivers on that portion of road who could be involved in one of the many accidents we have seen in just the last 24 months alone. We truly appreciate and are blessed by the support of our community and pray that it continues. If you are able to help us in this endeavor, it would truly be a blessing. Thank you for your time and consideration regarding this pressing matter.”
