Dear Friends,

Hard to believe another summer has come and gone and students are headed back to class this week. Some other school districts around us have already begun. As you well know, back to school time is an important event for our entire community.

Once again, teachers have gotten their classrooms ready, administrators have worked on school bus routes, staffing and school safety concerns. Parents are coordinating work and school schedules, car pools and support for th...eir child's activities and studies. Businesses and organizations are helping provide families, teachers and administrators with the supplies and services they need for a successful school year. Back to school is always an extremely busy time for everyone and it really does effect us all.

So please, during this busy time, be extra cautious when driving and in traffic. Be mindful of all our school zones especially during the morning hours and early afternoons. Keep an extra look out for potential hazards around our schools and in neighborhoods where children are more active walking, riding bikes and at play. Slow down and increase your stopping distances.

School buses will soon be back on the roads, so be aware of school bus routes in your neighborhood and throughout your daily travel. Leave plenty of time and space for buses and with school traffic, anticipate delays in your travel and leave early enough so you're not in a rush.

Around the Corsicana High School and middle school, there is quite a bit of congestion so please be patient. Please remember that when approaching a school zone or school bus on the road, be prepared to stop for bus and pedestrian traffic and by all means do not text and drive. Obey ALL "No cell phone" posted signs.

I want to thank all of you who help make our education system an integral, positive force in our community. Our children are counting on us so let's work together to make "Back to School" a rewarding, fun and safe time for all Navarro County residents.

Thank you,
Sheriff Elmer Tanner