A Dresden mother has launched a petition with hopes of saving the school crossing guard program in the community.
Jenelle Jackson-Finley said the crossing is needed in Dresden to ensure the safety of the children.
“The town of Dresden has a full-time crossing guard who is committed to providing a safe crossing for students on a daily basis,” Jackson-Finley said on iPetitions.com, where the petition is located.
“Chatham-Kent Children’s Charter of Rights states, ‘every child has the right to be safe and respected at all times and in all places, at home, school, on the internet and in public.'”
Jackson-Finley added: “North Street which cuts through the heart of the community is the only road in Dresden which crosses the Sydenham River. Therefore, this roadway has heavy traffic volume including all commercial vehicles and agricultural equipment. We, the undersigned, call on the Municipality to reinstate our crossing guard’s position, for the safety of our roadway, our drivers and most importantly – our children.”
Program removed from budget this year
The program was cut from the Chatham-Kent budget back in February, after a service review was conducted on the program.
As of June 30, the Municipality is set to eliminate all crossing guards in the seven communities where they currently exist: Dresden, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, Tilbury and Wheatley.
“The Adult Crossing Guard Service Review was completed in 2013 and presented in 2014,” Chatham-Kent staff stated in a budget overview report about recommended service reductions.
“The recommendation of the Service Review Committee included the elimination of the program in Chatham-Kent. The municipal adult crossing guard program is not a legislated responsibility of the Municipality nor is this service provided to all elementary schools in Chatham-Kent (13 of 39.)”
Chatham-Kent staff said the program was not sustainable due to the vacancies of positions and recruitment challenges.
“The committee considered the impact to those who currently utilize the Adult Crossing Guard services,” Chatham-Kent staff said.
“We anticipate that parents/guardians will secure alternate arrangements to bring/pickup their children to/from school. Examples include; Best Start program, stop lights/signs for crossing, before/after school programs in most schools throughout Chatham-Kent.”
“Liability risks” associated with the program is a primary concern for the Municipality.
“On-going recruitment challenges negatively impact the sustainability of this service, resulting in additional liability risks.”
Eliminating the program will save the Municipality $63,810 annually.
Petition gaining steam
The petition created by Jackson-Finley was started on Wednesday, and has 258 signatures of a 1,500 goal as of 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
The comments have been in full support of saving the program in Dresden.
“Another absolutely ridiculous council decision. The safety of our children is the number one priority!” wrote Sandra Kearney.
“$63,000 over 7 communities is a small price to pay for the greater good of safety for the children in these places. It also provides jobs!” wrote Rita Vruesema.
“Please retain the payment of crossing guards in ALL schools that need it in C-K. It is not worth the life of a child to cut the program,” wrote Connie Badour.
“This is a must. Example last fall at the stop lights in the main street a tractor hailing 3 wagons was coming up to the stop lights. I was stopped and waiting for the light to change,tractor was not stopping. Never seen a tractor and wagons jackknife before. IT is a big deal to have those crossing guards on (Highway) 21 at the school.” wrote Kelly McFadden.
“As an elementary teacher today and a student growing up at D.A.C.S in my past- D.A.C.S needs that crossing guard! With high school drivers, tomato wagons, farm equipment, etc. it’s too dangerous,” wrote Bethany McKishnie.
Councillors looking into issue
Elected officials in Chatham-Kent are still looking into the issue, and different measures are set to be implemented to ensure safety for students.
“We had discussions with the school boards about this responsibility but they were not interested in it at all,” Wallaceburg Coun. Jeff Wesley told the Sydenham Current.
“I cannot go into details but it was cut based on liability issues right across Chatham-Kent. I do know that there will be some things done, signage/pavement markings etc., to offset this change.”
Reports say both North Kent councillors Joe Faas and Leon Leclair will be looking into the issue further, to ensure the safety of students in the community.
– Watch for more on this story
