Millis Select Board weighs reinstating crossing guards as residents call for safer streets

Millis Select Board members and the police chief on June 9 debated whether to reinstate school crossing guards after the town installed automated crosswalk signals and paused the guard program when applicants became scarce.

The discussion grew out of parent emails and social media complaints about pedestrian safety on Main Street and nearby crossings. Police Chief Safire told the board the department previously advertised the crossing-guard posts repeatedly without success and that automated crosswalk signals had been installed to provide 24/7 protection when staffing was not available. "Installing the automated crosswalk signals throughout town improved safety for all residents at all times of the day, every day of the week," Chief Safire said.

Parents and other residents told the board they remain concerned about vehicle behavior around school hours. Resident Caitlin Bixby recounted motorists repeatedly passing stopped vehicles and described situations that she said made her uneasy about letting older children walk independently. "By the time there is [a crash], it's really too late," Bixby said, urging continued efforts to provide human crossing supervision.

Board members pressed several practical questions. Chief Safire said a reinstated crossing-guard program would need a dedicated budget (he estimated an annual cost in the tens of thousands) and consistent staffing: the position requires reliable coverage in morning and afternoon shifts in all weather. He said using volunteers raises liability and reliability issues and that police overtime or assigning officers is an expensive option because of minimum-shift rules for sworn staff.

Board members suggested intermediate steps while longer-term funding is explored: the police department can deploy targeted enforcement if residents flag specific intersections, staff will explore whether school paras or extended-day staff might be a source of candidates, and the town can recheck contact routes to solicit applicants. Chief Safire also noted the town has portable vehicle-speed and traffic-count devices to gather data if the board wants evidence for enforcement or a future budget request.

The board did not adopt a plan or restore crossing guards at the June 9 meeting. Members directed staff to solicit the school committee and school administration about using school employees who are already on site as a source of candidates and to report back on potential funding sources for a pilot or permanent coverage. Residents were urged to submit specific locations where they want enforcement, so the police department can allocate patrols.

Ending: The Select Board left the matter open for further work: a mix of targeted enforcement, outreach to the school for potential staff candidates, and continued use of the town's automated crosswalks until funding and reliable personnel can be identified.