Dist. 21 says crossing guards are Buffalo Grove's responsibility

In a dispute that dates back several months over who should pay for crossing guards, Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 still doesn't plan to budge on paying the $24,000 Buffalo Grove says the district owes the village for the past two years of crossing guard services.

Buffalo Grove Monday sent a message to District 21 saying that if the district doesn't agree to share the cost of services by Nov. 13, the village will cut the crossing guard service.

District 21 Superintendent Kate Hyland says the ultimatum from Buffalo Grove comes as a surprise. She says crossing guards should be considered a public safety issue, and the village should provide the service.

"It does seem like they've thrown down the gauntlet with the disputed fees," Hyland said Tuesday.

She says the district has not yet looked at crossing guard alternatives.

"I don't see us getting into the business of crossing guards," she said.

The next District 21 board meeting is Nov. 12.