NEWS
City allows for crossing guards
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Darryl Schnell:
- Crowley to ALRC: drop drink specials (October 20, 2005)
- Mayor veto on Overture possible (October 20, 2005)
- Building commission rejects 9-story proposal (October 20, 2005)
- In-Depth: Changing the face of Badger fans (September 4, 2006)
- 'Sconnie Nation' a big hit at UW (September 7, 2006)
Related Stories:
- City budget will add 6 new officers (October 6, 2005)
- Mayor restores hours at Madison library (October 27, 2005)
- Cieslewicz introduces 2008 budget Tuesday (October 3, 2007)
- MPD, MFD not insufficient funds (October 18, 2005)
- Mayor boosts Metro funding (October 13, 2005)
by Darryl Schnell
Tuesday, October 4, 2005
City of Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz announced Monday the city's 2006 budget would include funding for Madison's crossing guard program, despite the budget's short leash.
In a release, Cieslewicz said the safety of citizens carried precedence, even in the face of a stretched budget. The crossing guard program is not insignificant, according to the mayor.
"Even when budgets are tight, the safety of our children has to be a priority," Cieslewicz said. "[M]adison streets are busier than ever. The crossing guard program ensures that even young children can walk to school safely."
George Twigg, communications director for the office of the mayor, said children walking to school should have extra protection on their march to school.
"There are a lot of busy streets around schools in the City of Madison, students have to walk across streets like Regent Street and East Washington Avenue," Twigg said. "When the traffic is busy and moving at fast speeds, it's difficult for kids to cross without the help of a guard. This is one of those things that is, and should be, a priority; we should be protecting the health and safety of kids." Susan Abplanalp, assistant superintendent for the Madison Metropolitan School District elementary schools, said she was pleased with the mayor's decision to continue funding the program.
"I was at Randall Elementary School when the mayor made the announcement there," Abplanalp said. "We were all very excited, and we all clapped when we heard the news." The City of Madison has used a crossing guard program for quite a few years, Twigg said. According to Abplanalp, the program has been reliable.
"We've been very pleased with the service provided to students by our crossing guards," Abplanalp said. "This is my first year as assistant superintendent, but from what I understand, our children have been very safe in the hands of the crossing guards for as long as they've been around. I support anything the city can do to ensure the safety of our children."
According to the release, the cost of the program is $536,000, which the mayor's '06 executive budget will fully fund. The program includes 53 trained crossing guards, employed by the Madison Police Department, who will be strategically stationed at intersections throughout the city.
Twigg said the number of guards is consistent with past years, and budget constrictions have not forced the mayor to limit funding for the program.
"The tight budget has not forced the city to cut crossing guard numbers," Twigg said.
"The mayor has maintained our priorities should remain protecting the health and safety of our kids no matter the cost." The program is not limited to just public safety. Cieslewicz expressed his satisfaction that keeping walking to school safe for children promotes fitness as well.
"This is also a health issue," Cieslewicz said. "Walking to school is the kind of physical activity my Fit City initiative supports, and the crossing guard program gives parents the peace of mind that their kids can walk to school safely." Cieslewicz will introduce the '06 city budget Oct. 11.
