The Falconer Central School District opened its doors Tuesday and the newly installed traffic light was in full effect. P-J photo by Jordan Patterson

FALCONER — Falconer Central School opened its doors to students returning back to class Tuesday, and with that the new traffic light in front of the school was officially implemented.

Superintendent Steven Penhollow said the first day of class and the implementation of the new traffic light on East Main Street and East Avenue were a success.

“It’s something we had tried for many, many years,” Penhollow said of the light.

Years ago, Pennhollow said several students were injured after being struck by a car. He said the incident gave the district an even greater incentive to install a traffic light. The light was installed with the help of state Sen. Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andy Goodell. Penhollow also thanked Mayor Jim Rensel and Ellicott Town Supervisor Pat McLaughlin among other officials involved in the process.

“We had a big need for a traffic light that allows our students to pass safely,” he said.

Penhollow praised the community’s support for the project and promoting student safety.

“It was very, very much needed and much appreciated,” he said.

Additionally, with advisement from Frewsburg, Southwestern and Randolph school districts, Falconer implemented a new pick up and drop off system at Temple Elementary School. Penhollow said the new system is safer for students and eased traffic congestion in the elementary school’s parking lot.

“We rely on each other within Chautauqua County to pick up those things that work well that are good safety features for our kids,” he said.

In other news, during a Falconer School Board meeting Tuesday, Penhollow said the board discussed the current proceedings of the annexation of the Dow Street substation the city of Jamestown is currently seeking. The substation is on the border of the city within in the village of Falconer and the town of Ellicott. The school district has spent $175,000 in the annexation case against the city.

“We feel that shared services is the positive way to look at things,” he said as an alternative on Wednesday.