Written by Amanda Coers – Rick Phelps met with the Brown County Commissioners’ Court today 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 on Tuesday morning. “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.

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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.

“My concern is the safety of my students and we’ve got to do something,” said Phelps.

The county commissioners and County Judge Ray West asked questions, including where the children load and unload from vehicles, electricity access for the signage if approved, and whether or not the school itself could help with the cost of the flashing light signs.

Students load and unload about 100 yards away from CC Woodson, closer to the buildings, however the school’s cheerleaders and cross country team often use the grassy median near the road for practice.

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.