Budget Problems Could Cost Tulsa Its School Crossing Guards

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- One money-saving idea presented on Tuesday to the Tulsa City Council is turning over the cost of school crossing guards to Tulsa Public Schools.

That would save Tulsa hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. But if the city doesn't pay for the service, would TPS be able to?

Every morning and afternoon Dan Reynolds has precious lives to worry about. He'd rather not have to worry about budgets and cutbacks.

"I really love these kids here and I try to make sure they make it across the street safely," said Dan Reynolds, a crossing guard.

Reynolds is one of 104 crossing guards across Tulsa, all paid by the city.

Calling it the least desirable of all proposed cuts, the Tulsa Public Works Director Charles Hardt is recommending that school districts or volunteers take over the cost and responsibility, saving Tulsa $300,000 a year.

A lot of people might be surprised that the city pays for school crossing guards. It really just depends on where you live. For example, in Owasso, the school district pays for them. In Broken Arrow, the city pays for them. In Jenks, it's a combination of the two. A better comparison for Tulsa would be Oklahoma City, where the city, not the school district, pays for crossing guards.

If Tulsa stops footing the bill, would school districts, facing their own budget problems, be able to?

"Well, I'm sure you've seen in the news we've been making some pretty severe cuts as well. And we're getting ready to announce even more cuts, so no. We are not in any position to take on that kind of a cost," said Tami Marler, Tulsa Public Schools Spokesperson.

TPS is considering options if the city pulls funding, including additional safety lessons in the classroom and getting parent and staff volunteers to man dangerous crossings.

"Obviously this is not something we want, but we understand. It's just a difficult time right now," said Tami Marler.

As for Dan Reynolds, he's concerned -- some for job security, but most of all for the safety of the kids.

"As long as somebody takes it up, because you can't leave these kids by themselves crossing. Some of them have parents to help them, some of them don't," said Dan Reynolds.

It isn't a done deal. Mayor Bartlett would have to include it in his budget proposal, which the council would then have to approve.

1/12/10 Related Story: Tulsa Public Works: Cut Budget By Turning Off More Tulsa Highway Lights