MOORESVILLE, N.C. (WHKY) — Mooresville school officials say the district and town remain at an impasse over how to protect students crossing Magnolia Street between two parts of Mooresville High School.

Superintendent Jason Gardner presented the update during Tuesday’s Mooresville Graded School District Board of Education meeting.

The district wants a six-month pilot closing Magnolia Street from the B parking-lot entrance to Cabarrus Avenue throughout the regular school day. It proposed collecting data on student safety, emergency response times, traffic, neighborhood access and school operations before a joint review in December.

Town officials have proposed a year-long pilot using an additional traffic signal, automated gate arms and two protected crosswalks. The system would be activated during class changes and would require two district employees to operate it.

The improvements are estimated to cost $450,000, split between the town and school district.

A 2023 traffic study counted 4,718 student crossings and 3,398 vehicles through the crosswalk area during one school day. The district says a 2024 study found eliminating conflict points would be the most effective way to improve safety.

District officials also reported eight school-bus stop-arm violations during the first five days of the new school year, with additional reported violations awaiting video review.