Our school district and our city split the cost of our crossing guards. Our guards earn about $60 per day, and they go through training. We also have a school safety program.
This needs to be a school function - ideally funded by the district, but at least controlled. They need to set the policies and procedures as well as the training.
That being said, the PTO might take on the responsibility of recruiting volunteers or even donating funds to the school to cover this position. But under no circumstances would I allow the PTO to be responsible for the position itself or hiring anyone.
OneandOnly;135200 wrote: Is this an insurance risk you want to take on. Hiring a crossing guard implicates you as the responsible party should anything happen. You should check with your insurance company to see if you would be covered.
Contacting the local police and going to a town meeting to voice concern & need for a crossing guard may get you what you need. I'm surprised that if the Principal feels there is a need he/she didn't approach the Board of Edcuation first. I would think they would have the moral responsibility of making sure all children make it across the street since it is considered within the town school zone.
Thanks! Another thing I need to check.
It might end up at the BOE meeting. I think the principal just threw this idea at me to see if he'd have our support for funding. I told him I'd do some investigating on how to do this. I want to be informed before we talk about it at a meeting. I love the idea, am surprised it hasn't been done yet, and I really appreciate all of your answers!
Is this an insurance risk you want to take on. Hiring a crossing guard implicates you as the responsible party should anything happen. You should check with your insurance company to see if you would be covered.
Contacting the local police and going to a town meeting to voice concern & need for a crossing guard may get you what you need. I'm surprised that if the Principal feels there is a need he/she didn't approach the Board of Edcuation first. I would think they would have the moral responsibility of making sure all children make it across the street since it is considered within the town school zone.
We are on a small street, but we have a lot of car riders in the morning and evening. Right now a few teachers are doing it when they can get out there, but the principal said he doesn't feel right asking them to do this. (he's been doing it too) We'd both prefer properly trained people with safety equipment. Training a few older students might be a possibility. We're K-8th.
At our elementary they use 5th graders as the crossing guards. They take training and wear orange vest when working. Sometimes it's a little scary because some drivers are just so aggressive and, well, just plain stupid, but it has worked well. This is an area with only small residential streets, so if you are on a really busy street, I think adults would be better suited. Are there part time school staff that might be interested in handling this job? We do use associates to supervise the student crossing guards.
