Oklahoma City schools cope with crossing guard shortage before early opening
Public schools are preparing to begin, and officials worry a crossing guard shortage might put students' safety at risk.
With summer vacation coming to an end and Oklahoma City public schools preparing to open early, officials worry a crossing guard shortage might put students' safety at risk.
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Oklahoma City police ask drivers to be mindful of school zones
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HOW TO APPLY
To apply to be a crossing guard, call the Bricktown Police Station at 297-1180 or 297-1142. Applicants must be 18 and clear a criminal-background check, drug screening and health test.
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Another 33 guards are needed. Jim Burkey, the district's chief operations officer, said the school district splits costs with Oklahoma City police, so 85 crossing guards can be hired.
Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow said a shortage of crossing guards isn't unusual, but schools are required by contract to find a temporary replacement for any openings that can't be filled.
“We've used parents, teachers and in some instances, a principal,” Burkey said.
Crossing guards receive $15 a day for working the morning and afternoon shifts. He said more crossing guards will be on duty at the district's 57 elementary schools to protect younger children.
Law enforcement and school district officials also are working together to remind motorists to slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing.
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