Campus Safety Improvements & Temporary Drop-Off FAQ

Construction requires the temporary closure of the front entrance loop, front ramp, and small staff parking lot.

To keep students and families safe while work is underway, all vehicle traffic will use alternate drop-off and pick-up locations until construction is complete.

Families have two temporary options:

Option 1
Enter and exit through the signal on Wood Road and use the drop-off area near the MPR Gate.

Option 2
Turn slightly right from Wood Road into the theater loop for drop-off and pick-up.

The front loop near the flagpoles will remain closed throughout construction.

No.

The front entrance loop will be closed during construction and will not be available for vehicle access.

Please follow posted signs and use one of the temporary drop-off locations.

Students who walk or bike should use the crosswalk and traffic signal on Wood Road and enter through the MPR Gate.

Please use designated crosswalks and follow all crossing guards and traffic directions.

No.

The front staff parking lot will be closed during construction. Please follow all posted signs and use designated parking areas.

Parents or guardians picking up students before the end of the school day should check in through the Raptor Visitor Management System at the MPR Gate.

School staff will assist with student check-out until the new Attendance Office is complete.

Students and families should anticipate more traffic during drop-off and pick-up, especially toward the beginning of the school year. 

The first few days of school typically bring heavier traffic as students return to campus. During construction, the temporary drop-off and pick-up routes may result in longer wait times, particularly during the morning arrival period.

Yes.

During the first weeks of school, staff members and traffic monitors will be stationed throughout campus to direct vehicles, answer questions, and help students safely navigate the temporary entrances.

During construction:

MPR Gate

• Opens daily at 7:30 a.m.
• Serves as the primary campus entrance and exit throughout the school day
• Used for late arrivals and early dismissals

F Gate (Theater Loop)

• Open from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. for morning arrival
• Reopens during 5th period for early dismissals and after school

The project is part of Riverside Unified School District's ongoing commitment to improving campus safety.

When complete, the improvements will create a single, secure front entrance where all visitors will check in before entering campus. The project also improves accessibility, student services, and traffic flow around the front of the school.

The final phase of construction includes:

• New security gates at the front of campus to create a controlled main entrance
• Relocation of the Attendance Office with exterior service windows for student check-in and check-out
• Redesign of the front turnaround and parking area
• ADA accessibility improvements, including a new accessible path of travel
• Landscaping and irrigation restoration

Construction begins August 3, 2026, and is expected to be completed during Fall 2026.

Over the past two years, MLK has completed several campus security enhancements, including:

• Upgraded hallway lighting
• Additional security cameras throughout campus, including parking lots, bike racks, stairwells, and hallways
• Enclosed open areas beneath stairwells to eliminate blind spots
• New fencing and secure gates around portable classrooms
• Exit-door monitoring in Building F

Construction is expected to be completed during Fall 2026.

Once the project is complete, the new secure front entrance and relocated Attendance Office will open, and the temporary traffic pattern will end.

Families will be notified before the new entrance opens.