Henry Azie, a Morton Ranch High School student, spends a lot of time thinking about the future.

He hopes to one day become an anesthesiologist, following in the footsteps of his parents who both work in the medical field. At home, conversations about medicine are common, and over time Henry began to see himself in that world too.

“I feel like I was just made to do it,” said Henry.

But before students like Henry can pursue the dreams waiting beyond graduation, every school day begins the same way—with a walk to class.

And for many students across Harris County, that walk hasn’t always felt safe.

Commissioner Lesley Briones is Prioritizing Safety Year-Round

Morton Ranch High School sits along a High Injury Network corridor. Within one mile of the school, three people have died and 19 others have suffered serious traffic-related injuries over the past five years.

For teachers and parents of students who walk to school each day, those statistics represent a real and daily concern. That’s why Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones continues to prioritize safety improvements in school zones across the county.

While students were away for spring break, Precinct 4 crews were hard at work repainting crosswalks, refreshing curbs, and updating road markings at 12 school-zone locations across Alief, Cy-Fair, Katy, and Houston Independent School Districts(ISDs).

Completing the work during the school break allowed crews to safely make improvements while minimizing disruptions for students, parents, and staff.

“Safety does not take a break, and neither does your county,” said Commissioner Briones. “At the end of the day, our goal is to keep your family safe.”

These efforts build on recent progress. During the winter break in 2025, Precinct 4 crews completed crosswalk improvements at 20 schools across unincorporated Harris County, including in Tomball and Waller ISDs.

“Repainting the crosswalks may seem like a small change, but for students who walk to school every day, it makes a big difference,” said Henry. “It’s encouraging to see local leaders listening to students...and taking action to make our communities safer.”

Partnering for Safer Streets

Improving pedestrian safety requires collaboration across jurisdictions. Commissioner Briones is also partnering with Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Council Member Abbie Kamin to install additional safety features within the City of Houston.

Those upgrades include technology-enhanced crosswalks with push-button activated flashing beacons and accessible ramps designed to improve visibility and accessibility for pedestrians.

School leaders say the improvements send an important message to students and families.

“This isn’t just paint on the road,” said Morton Ranch High School principal, Julie Hinson. “It’s a reminder that their community cares about them and is committed to ensuring they get to school safely and focus on what matters most—learning andpreparing for their future.”

And to Katy ISD Superintendent, Dr. Ken Gregorski, collaboration between local government and the ISDs make all the difference.

“There’s nothing more important than getting our kids to school safely,” he said. And this is an example right here at Morton Ranch High School that we can work together in partnership.”

Investing in the Next Generation

By the time the spring break crosswalk projects are complete, Precinct 4 will have updated more than 100 crosswalks across six school districts—improving safety for over 300,000 students.

Together, these improvements reflect Commissioner Briones' ongoing commitment to making school zones safer for students, families, and drivers. By focusing on busy areas and known safety concerns, the County is taking proactive steps to ensure students can travel to and from school with greater visibility and protection.