During a recent government meeting, city council members discussed pressing concerns regarding the safety of schoolchildren, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of crossing guards and the need for proper infrastructure, such as painted crosswalks.

Councilor Linda Bacon highlighted the challenges faced in Ward 5, where it took considerable time to establish a painted crosswalk in front of Big Bend School. She expressed frustration over the lack of adherence to traffic rules by parents dropping off their children, which has raised safety concerns. The absence of a visible crosswalk has led to drivers ignoring the authority of crossing guards, further endangering students.

The discussion evolved into a broader examination of the responsibilities surrounding crossing guard operations, including training and accountability. Council members emphasized the importance of understanding who is in charge of these processes and ensuring that crossing guards are present and effective.

The council agreed to table the issue for further investigation, with plans to gather data on the current deployment of crossing guards at various intersections, particularly those near schools. This data will help assess the effectiveness of the crossing guards and identify any areas needing improvement. The meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing student safety and ensuring that proper measures are in place to protect children as they travel to and from school.