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Board reviews renewal of Safe Passage contracts to maintain community watchers at 192 schools
Summary
Chief of Safety recommended a new prequalified vendor pool for Safe Passage services (community‑based safe passage workers) with a proposed not‑to‑exceed $49.21M for 2026–2029; members asked about evaluation, training and city funding.
Chicago — The board’s agenda review committee on July 8 considered authorizing a new prequalification and multi‑vendor agreement to provide Safe Passage services with community‑based partners.
Chief of Safety and Security Ronan Chblewski said the program — community watchers who help students travel to and from school — serves 192 schools and the recommended contract term runs from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2029 with a not‑to‑exceed spend of $49,210,000. Chblewski said the selected partners are nonprofits with established neighborhood connections, not generic security firms.
Board members asked how effectiveness is measured and how ongoing training is delivered. Staff cited historical and evaluation findings, noting a prior 10‑year study that showed reductions in crime along Safe Passage routes and modest attendance gains; staff also said parent and community response is a core measure and that the district can survey families for current feedback.
Kylie Kosmachek, a safety office program manager, described four days of initial training for Safe Passage workers and ongoing, route‑specific professional development developed with the community partners. Members also asked about the city’s intergovernmental agreement (IGA); staff said the district historically received a city IGA (about $1 million) but that the IGA has not been signed for two years, and the district continues discussions with city partners.
Why it matters: Safe Passage connects community organizations to school operations to increase student safety and attendance along routes, especially in neighborhoods experiencing heightened enforcement or safety concerns. Maintaining or expanding the program affects staffing, hours, and route coverage for hundreds of students.
Next steps: The board heard the presentation and asked follow‑up questions; staff said they will continue discussions with city partners about funding and may pursue parent survey data to document program benefits.
