JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Monday was back to school for Duval County and the News4Jax newsroom received several phone calls from concerned parents about schools not having crossing guards.
One of those schools was Crown Point Elementary School, off Crown Point Road, near the busy Old St. Augustine Road in Mandarin.
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We had a crew at the school Monday morning after complains from parents that there were no crossing guards at the school, but the crossing guard told News4Jax he was there during his designated hours, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
JSO says they are hiring more crossing guards and this school is one of the places they’re looking to add one of those new hires.
Cheryl Nelson has three school-age grandchildren. She said crossing guards should be at all schools "because the crossing guards are going to make sure the car stops and they're going to make sure kids get across safely."
Many parents said they wish crossing guards could be at all of Duval County’s nearly 200 schools.
"I think they help keep the flow of traffic because people don't pay attention to signs or lights at all," said Brittany Cook, a mother.
So why are they at some, but not all schools?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says crossing guards are at elementary schools that have crosswalks and where kids walk to school.
Crossing guard placement is also determined by vehicular traffic, pedestrian traffic, posted speed and type of intersection closet to the school. And there are approximately 300 crossing guards at 106 schools.
Crossing guards are hired and trained by JSO. Parents hope that with school back in session people will be even more alert, especially in school zones
"Please be aware and be alert," Cook said. "Put down your phone and keep your eyes on the road because that could be your child...your niece your nephew your."
When News4Jax returned to Crown Point Elementary in the afternoon, there was a crossing guard on duty. JSO says crossing guards are supposed to be at the school morning and afternoon and are hoping that new hires will help schools like this have crossing guards in both morning and afternoon, not just one or the other.
Parents who feel their child’s school needs a crossing guard can contact the community affairs division of the city at 904-630-2160. The issue will be presented at a monthly traffic safety board meeting with several government agencies. Those interested in becoming a crossing guard can call the same numer 904-630-2160.