Today is final day for the crossing guard program across Chatham-Kent, as council has cancelled the service effective November 30.
However, Rob and Erin Burnett, owners of Burn’s Restaurant and Catering and Beyond Gifts & Decor in Dresden, stepped up and worked out an arrangement with Jim Cracknell, the current guard at Dresden Area Central School. Their goal was to ensure the service remains in Dresden until crosswalk devices are installed at the North Street site sometime in the spring.
Leanne Segeren-Swayze, director of customer service for Chatham-Kent, told the Sydenham Current the Municipality applauds the approach being made in Dresden.
“Specifically the business that has come forward to look for solutions to continue with the service and assist the children and parents of that school,” she said.
“We don’t have any specific concerns. They do plan to continue with the existing crossing guard. So we do know the training that has been provided to this particular guard in the past. So we know he is very safety conscious in that regard.”
Segeren-Swayze said the service will be a little bit different going forward after today.
“This particular person cannot stop traffic as he currently does,” she said.
“Anyone is prohibited to stop traffic on a street through the Highway Traffic Act. So unfortunately he won’t be able to continue with that approach by stopping traffic to cross the students. However, he would act similar to a safety patroller, stand on the side of the street and let the children know when it is safe to cross.”
Segeren-Swayze said the Municipality has spoken with Cracknell and the Burnett’s about the situation.
“I was approached last week actually by the private sector,” she said.
“We discussed these similar details… that the service would be a little different. It would be a volunteer position and the Municipality would not in any way be connected to this on-going service. Again, we certainly applaud the efforts. We think it’s terrific that they’ve come forward with this creative option for parents and the children attending that school.”
Segeren-Swayze said a situation like this, where a council decision was made and the community came together with their own solution after the fact, is “quite uncommon.
“From what I’ve see throughout my 25 years with the Municipality, this is pretty terrific to see a good solution come forward. The parents were very concerned and they certainly have vocalized their concerns. The community is very aware of the situation,” she said.
Official statement from Municipality
Overall, municipal officials have also applauded the efforts made by community members to ensure children make it to school safely.
“We understand that some community groups are providing or organizing volunteer adults to assist children in crossing streets in order to get to school safely,” Municipal staff said in a press release. “The municipality applauds the efforts of schools, community members, volunteers and parents in helping children get to school safely.”
Municipal officials added: “The municipality also wants to remind everyone involved that the municipality is no longer providing paid and supervised crossing guards at any schools. The municipality will not be coordinating or involved in the efforts of any volunteers who might be out assisting children. The municipality will not be providing any supervision, training or insurance coverage. Parents need to ensure that their children reach school safely. Please note that adult volunteers have not been screened or trained by the Municipality. Children and adults need to ensure that they are complying with traffic laws.”
Background and more coverage
– Background information and comments from the Dresden crossing guard, the business owners who stepped up to keep the service, and North Kent Coun. Joe Faas: Dresden businesses hire crossing guard themselves
– Comments from a concerned Dresden parent and the Director of Education of the Lambton-Kent District School Board: Crosswalk changes creates ‘dangerous’ situation in Dresden
– Details about how the uncertain future of Dresden Area Central School impacted the crossing guard decision: DACS’ future impacting school crossing decision
– Comments from a parent who launched a petition in an attempt to save the program: School crossing guard petition launched in Dresden
– Answers to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ about the situation from the Municipality: C-K answers FAQ about crossing guard program
