Students Rally for Continued Funding of LAUSD Crossing Guard Program to Ensure Safety

The Los Angeles City Council meeting on December 13, 2024, featured a strong emphasis on the importance of the crossing guard program, with multiple students advocating for its continued funding and support. Chloe Young, a student from Chachau Charter High School and vice president of the LAUSD Office of Governmental Relations Student Leadership Council, highlighted the critical role crossing guards play in ensuring the safety of students, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where many children walk or take public transit to school. She shared a poignant reminder from a local elementary school urging drivers to be cautious, underscoring the need for crossing guards to manage traffic effectively.

Other students echoed Young's sentiments, sharing personal experiences that illustrated the positive impact of crossing guards on their daily commutes. Giselle Rivera from Maywood Center for Image Studies recounted how her local crossing guard provided a sense of security during her elementary years, while Ethan de Guzman from the Science Academy STEM Magnet emphasized the necessity of crossing guards as traffic becomes increasingly hazardous.

The students collectively urged the council to secure additional resources to extend the program beyond its current funding, which is set to last until March 2025. They argued that maintaining this program is essential not only for student safety but also for fostering a supportive community environment.

In addition to discussions about the crossing guard program, the meeting included mentions of local organizations aimed at supporting Los Angeles' Green New Deal initiatives. New resident Alexander introduced Inovo Net 0 and Blue Monarch Group, advocating for partnerships that could help the city achieve its carbon emission reduction goals ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued investment in student safety and community well-being, highlighting the council's role in supporting essential programs that protect the city's youth.