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Forest Park council questions whether school district should run crossing-guard program amid rising liabilities
Summary
Officials said the village currently administers crossing guards (50/50 cost split with District 91) but faces rising workers’ compensation costs and staffing challenges; council directed staff to consult District 91 and report back on timing and options for transferring administration.
Forest Park officials told the council they are re-evaluating who should administer the village’s crossing-guard program after staff identified persistent recruitment and liability problems.
Chair (speaker 1) said the crossing-guard program is split 50/50 with District 91 but is administered by the police department. The chair told the council that "our crossing guards have the same liability as a police officer" and that rising workers’ compensation rates have increased program costs. The chair said recruiting is difficult because many interested guards are older residents who struggle with weather extremes.
Commissioner Nero (speaker 2) and other council members urged the village to push the district to take over the program, proposing a transition window so the district could secure staffing or a contract with an outside provider. Chief Gross (speaker 3), who discussed program history, said some neighboring communities have different arrangements: some police departments manage crossing guards, some school districts manage them and others use outside vendors.
Council members noted the contract contains a 30-day notice clause; staff said they will contact District 91 this week to assess how quickly the district could assume administration and will return to the council with options and a timeline. The chair emphasized the village intends to give the district "ample time" to find a path forward that protects both residents and current crossing-guard employees.
The council did not make a formal decision at the meeting; it instructed staff to pursue a discussion with District 91 and to present follow-up options.
