Supervisor, union warn Council as city reviews who employs crossing guards

City of Northfield Council members said at their June 9 work session that they are exploring whether the city should directly employ school crossing guards, a review that drew sharp pushback from guard supervisors and union leaders.

Councilman Anthony Polistina (Finance & Collections) told the Council that "earlier this year, City officials began exploring the internal operations and costs associated with directly employing Crossing Guards," and that the city is still in an informational phase and will not take action without further discussion, including an executive session scheduled at the next Council meeting.

Janice Davis, Supervisor of the Crossing Guards, told the Council during public comment that guards "were not advised by Council, the Police or their Union. They found out by accident." Davis said guards believe outsourcing would cost more and harm service continuity; she read a letter from GWU President David Tucker saying vendor bids were higher than the GWU contract and that "he expects no further activity on this matter" and that the union might file an injunction if the City advanced changes without union agreement.

Solicitor Facenda responded that City labor counsel had contacted the union representative before the March meeting and that the Council's investigation is intended to consider financial and operational responsibilities. "Council has the obligation to make sure the policy and procedures and items in place are the best," Facenda said, and he urged guards to monitor published agendas for notices of any future decisions.

Next steps: Council members said they will continue gathering information, consult labor counsel and include guard input before any formal proposal is placed on a future agenda.