Back-to-School: Seven Tips for Community Association Board Member and Property Managers

As the school year begins, condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations often experience noticeable changes including heavier vehicle and resident traffic around bus stops and sidewalks. Whether your community is home to families with students or simply shares public routes and spaces used by them, board members and property managers can take proactive steps to keep residents safe and informed.

Below are practical ways to help your community start the school season on the right foot.

1. Review Roads, Sidewalks, and Signage: Before school traffic ramps up, conduct a quick inspection of roadways, sidewalks, and signage throughout the community association.

• Check for safety hazards by looking for cracks, uneven pavement, or damaged curbs that could trip walkers or bikers.
• Ensure stop signs, crosswalk markers, and speed limit signs are clearly visible and compliant with local requirements.
• If maintenance and repair issues are found, work with vendors or the local municipality to address them promptly before the first bell rings.

2. Revisit Traffic and Parking Rules: Back-to-school season often brings more vehicles on the road including parents driving children to school and buses making stops.

• Review community speed limits and parking restrictions near common areas and exits.
• Remind residents to avoid blocking driveways or fire lanes during pick-up and drop-off hours.
• Consider temporary signage or enforcement reminders to help ease congestion and reinforce safety.

3. Review Lighting and Landscaping: With shorter daylight hours approaching, good lighting and clear sightlines are essential. Taking a few simple and proactive steps can improve security and peace of mind for residents and students walking in early mornings or late afternoons.

• Inspect streetlights and pathway lighting. Replace dim bulbs and ensure timers are correctly set.
• Trim trees and bushes. Overgrown landscaping can obscure signs, limit visibility, or create hiding spots that reduce safety.

4. Communicate Rules and Updates Clearly: Consistent communication helps ensure everyone is informed and prevents misunderstandings once the school year begins. Boards should consider sending a seasonal newsletter or email update reminding residents about relevant community policies, including:

• Traffic and parking guidelines
• Noise or quiet hours
• Amenity rules for shared spaces, such as clubhouses or computer rooms

5. Support Common Area Study Spaces and Community Quiet Hours

If your community offers shared amenities (ex. clubhouse. lounges, business centers, multipurpose rooms), consider designating certain hours or spaces as quiet zones for studying or virtual learning.

Also clearly communicate community quiet hours. Encourage residents to respect these times and keep noise levels down, helping students stay productive and focused.

6. Back-to-School Community Events: A community gathering (ex. ice cream social, outdoor movie night, school supply drive) can strengthen neighborly connections. These events provide a great opportunity to welcome new residents, introduce board members, and share updates about upcoming projects or rule reminders in a social setting.
7. Recruit Volunteers: Back-to-school season is also a great time to ask for helping hands. Volunteerism not only lightens the board’s load but also promotes a stronger sense of community ownership. Volunteer association members can:

• Assist with safety patrols or crossing guard duties (where permitted)
• Help organize community events
• Join committees focused on communication, safety, or social engagement

Legal Resource

Preparing your association for the back-to-school season is about community connection. By addressing safety, communication, and engagement early, board members can set the tone for a back-to-school season for all residents, whether or not they’re heading to the classroom.

Do not hesitate to contact our law firm if your association has questions regarding parking rules, signage requirements, board member responsibilities, association policies, or other legal concerns.

Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

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