Today, on August 18th, our children were making their way to school, blissfully unaware of the dangers they were navigating without the familiar presence of crossing guards. As a parent in Mt. Lebanon, this realization filled me with dread. Our school district is meant to be a safe haven where our children can walk to school without fear.

Recently, the Mt. Lebanon Police Department made the decision to eliminate seven crossing guard posts. This decision was made based on a study conducted by the mobility board, a study which they have not been able to produce. 

The safety of our children who walk to school every day is directly impacted by the presence or absence of our crossing guards. Our district is comprised of multiple schools, each bustling with young students. Many of these children rely on crossing guards to guide them safely across busy streets and through the "go zone" traffic. The absence of these crucial guardians puts them at significant risk of harm. Parents driving their children also count on the crossing guards to keep cars moving in the "go zone," while managing the pedestrian traffic.  People can be unpredictable, and  without trained personnel to ensure safe passage, the likelihood of accidents increases considerably.

To understand the seriousness of this issue, we must look at statistics. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise, with children being particularly vulnerable. Crossing guards serve as a critical line of defense in preventing such tragedies.

Moreover, the ethos of our beautiful Mt. Lebanon community revolves around the welfare and development of our young ones. Our district is known for its pedestrian-friendly routes, encouraging kids to walk to school. Removing these crossing guards negates these benefits and adds stress to our already concerned community.

We understand that budget constraints often lead to tough decisions. However, the safety of our children should never be compromised. Therefore, we are calling on the Mt. Lebanon School District's Board of Education and the Mt. Lebanon Police Department to explore alternative solutions to reinstate these positions. Solutions could include reallocating funds, applying for grants, or seeking community sponsorship.

Your support can make a world of difference. By signing this petition, you stand with countless parents and guardians in Mt. Lebanon advocating for the safety of our children. Let’s ensure they have the protection they need as they journey to school. Let's come together as a community and demand action.

Please sign this petition to urge the Mt. Lebanon Police Department to reinstate the seven crossing guard posts immediately. Our children’s safety should always be our priority.

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You can help by: 
1. Sharing this petition with friends, neighbors, family
2. Encouraging someone who is qualified to apply : https://talents.vaia.com/companies/mt-lebanon-pa/pittsburgh/school-crossing-guard-95710946/
3. Reminding your children to "Cross like a Boss!" Here is a handy resource: https://www.movelebo.org/crosslikeaboss