>Village will not supply lunchtime crossing guards
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Ridgewood News
Ridgewood students who walk home for lunch will have to cross main streets without a crossing guard in the upcoming school year, part of a cost-saving measure issued by village administrators.
The village notified the Ridgewood Public Schools district that it will not provide crossing guards during the lunchtime period of 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The village will save about $86,000 by having crossing guards work only before and after school, said Village Manager Ken Gabbert.
In a letter addressed to Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Daniel Fishbein last week, Gabbert said the decision was based on a discussion between himself, Fishbein and Ridgewood Police Senior Officer in Charge John Ward.
“… It is clear to me that it is an infrequent event for students to walk home for lunch unaccompanied by an adult,” according to the Aug. 4 letter.
Fishbein could not immediately be reached for comment.
