Operation Safe Schools Begins Thursday In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – With schools reopening in a few days time, the South Brunswick Police Department is getting ready to make roads safe for students.

On Wednesday, Police Chief Raymond Hayducka announced that 2023 Operation Safe School will kick off Thursday. Under this initiative, police will enhance their presence around all schools and school zones.

"This year's effort is focused on the two Rs - Raising Awareness and Reducing Speeds", Hayducka said.

“We have a daytime population of nearly 100,000 people and we want our community members to be aware of shifting traffic and pedestrian patterns with the schools coming back into session.”

Students from two private schools have already started back and activity at the high school has picked up as fall sports are in progress, police said. Meanwhile, all public students will return to school on Thursday, Sept. 7.

"We know a new school year brings excitement and anxiety for many. We will have an officer at every school to help students and parents as well as raise awareness and reduce speeds around the schools,” said Lt. Tara Jairdullo, who heads the school safety bureau. “Our goal is to create the safest possible back to school."

The peak time that will see traffic and pedestrians impact will be at the start and end of the school days, according to police.

There will be nearly 7,500 students entering schools between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. The dismissals at the schools are between 2:20 p.m. to 3:35 p.m.

Usually, it takes a few days for people to adjust to buses and parents dropping off students.

Drivers should allow for added time in the first few days of the school year.

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