Shortage of crossing guards dangerous

We hope to call attention to what we see as a serious safety concern.

Apparently we are so short of school crossing guards that if someone calls in sick, the only backup is the chance that a sheriff’s deputy is available. (And the chance that the deputy will actually get out of the car and stop traffic instead of simply watching.)

This has been the situation, since the regular crossing guard retired, where children must cross 75th Street Northwest at 15th Avenue Northwest on their way to and from Stewart Elementary School. In addition, dozens of parents who ferry their kids to and from school are lined up trying to get back out on 75th Street Northwest, making the crossing even more dangerous.

“Liability” and “union” concerns seem to prohibit a school employee from filling in for 20 minutes to ensure that elementary age children can cross safely. Whose liable if a child is struck? Parents can’t afford to ignore a danger like this.

Surely, between all the officials responsible, a solution can be found before an accident occurs.

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Shortage of crossing guards dangerous."