Dallas ISD bus system changes leave crossing guards in limbo

There is a debate underway about who is responsible for providing crossing guards to help thousands of Dallas ISD students get to and from school safely.

The debate comes as Dallas County Schools is in the process of putting itself out of business. Neither the city of Dallas nor Dallas ISD is stepping up to take responsibility for providing crossing guards.

But with DCS out of cash and floating checks, the finger pointing will have to end soon.

“Right now, there is no cash in the bank,” said DCS CEO Alan King. “Circling the drain — that's where we're at.”

King says he's determined to make sure bus drivers get paid, even if the methods sound like crafty home economics.

"We're going to have to float some checks, but we'll make payroll,” he said.

The agency sold off $71,000 worth of furniture to Dallas ISD on Monday and consolidated other property back into its headquarters.

One of King's big concerns is getting Dallas to start paying for 400 crossing guards in the city. It’s something that costs $5 million a year.

“We've tried to get in contact with them, and they haven't called us back,” King said. “We haven't had any communication with the city.”

The city of Dallas did not respond to FOX 4’s request for comment right away, but Councilman Philip Kingston did.

"Alan King needs to learn who to call,” the councilman said. “Since he worked at DISD, he knows that they are the ones to call."

But Dallas ISD says the city took over crossing guard responsibilities a few years ago when the now-infamous stop arm cameras were implemented. That would allow the city to issue tickets to crosswalk violators.

Kingston insists crossing guards are a school district's responsibility.

“The city stands ready to help in any way it can,” he said. “But we need DISD to take the lead on this.”

During Monday’s meeting, King said the board may have to decide to shift responsibility over to the city, whether they hear from them or not. The next meeting is on December 18.