Cities look for long-term solution to resolve crossing guard need

NOW: Cities look for long-term solution to resolve crossing guard need
NEXT:

WEST ALLIS (CBS 58) -- The City of West Allis has their crossings covered for the next week and a half. 

It was a scramble for many cities after they learned Wisconsin Personal Protective Services shut down abruptly over the weekend. 

Mayor Dan Devine is one of a few mayors in the area that stepped up and took a crossing guard shift near Walker Elementary. 

“I didn’t have a stop sign but I had the vest. I am a little taller so I am harder to miss," said Devine.

Wauwatosa, West Allis, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls, and Waukesha are improvising as they sort out a long-term solution. 

On Tuesday night, Waukesha Common Council approved a contract with a company called All City Management Services to provide guards in the next four to six weeks. This week, the school district and the police department are filling in. 

In Menomonee Falls, crossing guards with the previous company are volunteering this week and the police department is also assisting. It has 12 people identified to fill the positions and plan to have the spots filled by the time students return from spring break. 

South Milwaukee Mayor Erik Brooks is filling in as a crossing guard for the rest of the week and on Monday. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, the city was able to fill their spots with former crossing guards and people from the community. South Milwaukee is still looking for substitutes. 

“We have a lot of students and kids in our community that walk to school and cross busy streets so just please be attentive," said Devine. 

The City of West Allis will have a meeting on March 21 to discuss possible long-term solutions. 

The School District of Waukesha released this statement:

"We are very appreciative for the quick response from the city and the Waukesha Police Department in keeping our students safe. We look forward to our continued partnership as a new vendor comes on board."
Share this article: