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Program overhaul cuts two-thirds of Elgin crossing guards

The City of Elgin's crossing guard program for Elgin Area School District U-46 schools is getting its first makeover in years, one that will include cutting more than two-thirds of the crossing guards now employed by the police department to save $200,000, according to Cmdr. Glenn Theriault.

Some changes already have been implemented, and a slow rollout of the rest is planned for coming months. Theriault hopes all the changes can be tested before kids start their summer break, but said the program overhaul might not be completed until the fall.

“It's children's safety, so we are not going to rush into this whatsoever,” he said. “We're going to take the slow, methodical approach.”

Discussions started about six months ago with a meeting of local traffic control experts and maps of relevant intersections. Theriault said it quickly became clear that cuts were in order.

There were 38 crossing guards posted around Elgin elementary schools at the start of this school year. Only about a dozen are expected to be in place in the fall — a savings Theriault said was not discussed when the police department had more wiggle room in the budget.

“If you have the money, err on the side of beyond caution,” Theriault said. “We don't have the luxury anymore. It doesn't mean we don't value child safety.”

Some changes already have been made over the last few weeks. As guards are laid off, stop signs are added or suggested walking routes are moved at individual schools. Police officers are monitoring intersections to see if the changes work.

Crossing guards are passing out fliers for students to take to their parents, explaining the process and the new plan. Officers are enforcing no standing zones around schools for better traffic flow.

If everything goes well during the transition weeks, the change becomes permanent.

John Heiderscheidt, school safety coordinator for U-46, has been helping the police department since it started reviewing the crossing guard program. While the department historically has staffed crossing guards, Heiderscheidt said U-46 has had a collaborative, cooperative relationship with police officials looking to make changes.

He said safety is not being compromised because of the proposed changes, pointing as an example to Channing Elementary School where the plan is to go from two crossing guards to one.

“The second crossing guard was more for convenience than need,” Heiderscheidt said. “We are asking kids just to walk down to the other crossing guard.”

Parents met at Channing last week for an overview of the changes. Theriault said officers have made themselves available to speak with principals, teachers and interested parties throughout the process.

Crossing guards are being removed from intersections that already have stoplights and from intersections where studies of traffic patterns have shown regular gaps in traffic long enough for students to safely cross.

Some crossing guards have been moved, like Kim Crichton who went from South Street and Edison Avenue to Lillian Street and South Clifton Avenue.

Crichton has been crossing kids for 18 years, starting with her own three girls who all attended Gifford Elementary School. Crichton said the job is more than just helping students cross the street. She comforts kids who are upset, keeps an eye out for anything out of the ordinary and assists people who need directions.

“It's my way of contributing to the community,” Crichton said. “It gives me a real good feeling to know that I'm trying to keep (the kids) safe and protect them.”

Theriault said many of the crossing guards go above and beyond their basic duties, like Crichton. Everyone whose position is eliminated will be invited to work on an “as-needed” basis with potential cross training in parking enforcement.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the overhaul can call Theriault at (847) 289-2746.

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