Student safety was discussed Tuesday at the Mars Area school board meeting following an incident last week where an eighth grade student was struck by a vehicle on Route 228.

A resident at the meeting expressed concerns over the road work being done around the school for PennDOT’s Route 228 plan.

“The amount of pedestrian traffic we have on Three Degree Road is ridiculous,” said Harry Owen. “There needs to be some method for them to be directed in a safe manner; that doesn’t exist right now. My concern is there will be more accidents.”

The school board said that the concerns raised by Owen are being discussed in meetings which include PennDOT and the township.

They said that there isn’t much that they can do, as the projects are not being overseen by them, however, they have been applying pressure to the decision makers when necessary.

No update at the meeting was given as to the current condition of the student, but all board members expressed their thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Several plans are being made to help raise funds for the family, with the details to be released by the school district at a later date.