PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A sign near Sugar Mill Elementary reads: “Stop parking here, a child was hit by a car here, parents do better.”
The message comes after the death of 10-year-old fourth-grader Shaolan Kamaly. Parents on Tuesday confronted city leaders during a commission meeting, demanding enhanced safety measures outside the school.
“It’s been hard on the students, staff, and parents who witnessed it. We’ve spent a lot of time trying to prevent it,” parent Raymond Hill said. “We need more safety protocols in place for our kids. The proposed solutions seem to be beating around the bush. We’ve already suggested many of these measures.”
Kamaly was fatally struck by a car while riding her bike in the crosswalk in front of the school just after 7 a.m. on May 24. The driver stopped at the scene and has not been charged.
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The city of Port Orange is now considering several changes, including adding crossing guards, flashing lights, speed cameras, and increased police patrols.
PTA President Stephanie Cathey, whose son was hit by a vehicle near the school two years ago, expressed her hopes for concrete action.
“It’s unfortunate that it took this tragedy for changes to be considered. We’ve had the answers all along, but no one listened,” Cathey said.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is looking to fill nearly 20 open crossing guard positions and is urging qualified individuals to apply.
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