Dallas County voters to decide on crossing guard funding

Dallas County voters will decide at the polls this November on funding for school crossing guards.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings made his case for a $1.50 fee for Dallas County vehicle registrants to help save the guards’ jobs, but it was met with many questions and concerns by Dallas County Commissioners on Tuesday.

The City of Dallas estimates it will cost $4.4 million to pay crossing guards for the next school year after a void was left when voters dissolved the mismanaged Dallas County Schools.

Rawlings pleaded with county commissioners to pass a $1.50 child safety fee on registered vehicles to cover the program, but he could not convince all it was the best plan.

The commissioners vote 3 to 2 to put a measure on the November ballot and let voters choose what happens. A ballot issue in November presents a dilemma with continuing the program seamlessly, as the crossing guards are needed beginning in august.

The City of Dallas and smaller surrounding cities currently have enough funding for crossing guards through this may, meaning some other solutions will likely have to be considered for the fall semester.