The Renton School District started the new year Wednesday – or Thursday – with plenty of students and a new contract approved by 95 percent of the district’s teachers.

The City of Renton issued a timely reminder that with school bells ringing, drivers should use caution near schools and watch out for pedestrians and other vehicles.

To help make that happen, school-zone flashing beacons and speed cameras are working throughout the district.

High school students, starting with sophomores, got an extra day of summer vacation, returning to class on Thursday.

And the district’s kindergarten students don’t start school until Tuesday, Sept. 8, with the exception of Highlands Elementary School kindergarteners, who start today (Friday, Sept. 4).

Hundreds of members of the Renton Education Association, which represents the district’s teachers, met at McKnight Middle School Monday night to vote on the new contract.

“We are very pleased to have worked with Renton Education Association President Cami Keil and her leadership team to come to terms on an agreement,” said Renton Superintendent Art Jarvis in a district news release.

“Renton teachers are highly qualified professionals who care deeply for the children of this district, and have the skills and professionalism to provide every student with a meaningful education. Providing them with a contract that recognizes and honors their commitment is what we strive to do in every negotiation,” he said.

Attempts were made to contact the Renton Education Association for comment.

Reduced speeds is one of the key ways to protect students as they walk to and from school, according to the city.

The difference between 20 mph and 26 mph is 26 feet of stopping distance. With children walking in the area, those 26 feet could mean the difference between life and death, according to city officials.

Signs at the schools alert drivers that cameras are in use.  Vehicles exceeding the speed limit through the school zones will be photographed, and those images will be reviewed by Renton Police to determine whether a citation is warranted. The cameras will operate when the school beacons are flashing.

Safety reminders include:

• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection in a school zone when flashers are blinking

• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign

• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars

• Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if you’re on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children

• Always stop if the yellow or red lights on the bus are flashing and the stop arm is extended