Did you know we’ll no longer have School Crossing Guards in Alpharetta next year? After 20 years, the City is dissolving the Crossing Guard program. 

As parents of Webb Bridge Middle Schoolers, we know the dangers crossing Webb Bridge Rd.  We believe a safe route to school is part of the school day. 

The absence of dedicated Crossing Guards puts our children in danger.  Crossing Guards are not only crucial for directing traffic and ensuring pedestrians cross safely, but they also serve as a deterrent for speeding and distracted driving. In communities where Crossing Guards have been removed, studies have shown an increase in both pedestrian injuries and driver violations. Many state Departments of Transportation cite 30%+ declines in collisions and near-misses where there are more Crossing Guards.

The City of Alpharetta has invested heavily in new roads. Implementing consistent and reliable crosswalk systems can greatly improve safety. However, they remain ineffective without the human element of Crossing Guards ensuring they are used correctly.  A school health study shows that schools with Crossing Guards have +26% more students who walk to school.

The City will cut the budget for the Crossing Guard program, currently housed under the Alpharetta Police Department. The APD has informed citizens it no longer has the capacity or budget to staff the program starting in Fall 2026. Webb Bridge Middle School has said the school will only send a staff person to the main entrance. The  WBMS PTA is unable to fund personnel. The APD would like to see the program continue and recommends citizens either private pay or volunteer.

Private pay costs a minimum of $8,000/year per Crossing Guard per school. This is unrealistic for most school communities to fund or manage. And, effective Crossing Guards are more than volunteers. They are an authorized arm of traffic control and are trained, sometimes certified,  to teach our children valuable lessons about pedestrian safety. 

We urge the Alpharetta City Council and local school authorities to prioritize the well-being of our students by retaining the Crossing Guards in our community. By doing so, we can provide peace of mind for parents and guardians and make Alpharetta one of the most walkable cities in America. 

Support us in our efforts to KEEP THE CROSSING GUARDS. Sign this petition to demand action before next school year. We will take the petition to an Alpharetta City Council meeting this Summer.