Wednesday, May 19, 1999
Crossing guard solution sought
City, schools might split responsibility
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
HAMILTON — A proposal that would split the cost and responsibility of school crossing guards between the Hamilton Board of Education and the city could save the program.
Funding by Hamilton will cease when classes end next month unless some sort of compromise is reached, said Neil Ferdelman, police chief and acting deputy city manager.
“We think it's a very vital program and are concerned with the safety of youngsters on their way to school,” Mr. Ferdelman said.
Last week, he sent Superintendent Janet Baker a proposal in response to her May 5 letter about the situation. The proposal calls for a 50-50 split of the cost of the program, with the city providing background checks of crossing guards and the schools taking on the responsibility of hiring, firing and supervising the guards.
The city also would provide equipment and supplies for the program and the schools would provide substitute guards, Mr. Ferdelman said.
Hamilton has set aside almost $26,000 to pay for guards from January until the end of the school year, Mr. Ferdelman said. In 1998 the city spent $47,758, down from $56,231 the previous year. Guards are stationed at 13 intersections in the city.
School spokeswoman Joni Copas said copies of the city proposal have been forwarded to school board members. Several people have agreed to serve as substitute crossing guards when needed.
“I don't think we'll have any difficulty reaching a compromise,” said Kenneth Wehr, president of the Hamilton Board of Education. “Both sides value crossing guards and what they do for the children. If you're going to have neighborhood schools like we do, with children crossing busy roads, you have to have crossing guards.”
He said he particularly liked the division of duties between the two organizations and wanted the city to continue training the guards because they have the expertise.
City council voted more than a year ago to cease paying for the program. In February a committee of school and city staff was formed to brainstorm ideas on how the program could be saved after school officials said they did not have the money to pick up the cost.
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