In 2019, Duke Behnke with the Post Crescent reported on the City of Appleton's decision to get out of the crossing guard business...

'The costs are evenly split between the city and Appleton Area School District.

"Our goal wasn't to try to save money," said Sandy Matz, Appleton's human resources director. "Our goal was to get out of the crossing guard business."'

Read full article here: https://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2019/01/18/appleton-outsources-management-school-crossing-guard-program/2570129002/

All elementary schools in the Appleton Area School District have unsafe crosswalks in their school zones.  Since I have begun advocating for Ferber Elementary to put safety measures in place at one of their busiest crosswalks, Capital Dr. and Northbreeze, I have heard from multiple parents in the Appleton area district concerned about the other elementary schools having similar issues of cars speeding through school zones and not stopping for kids in crosswalks.

Since the beginning of the 2022-23 school year I began advocating for a safer crosswalk.  With Principal Kelly Collins permission (principal at Ferber), I volunteered as a 'crossing guard' with a yellow vest and a stop sign.  I was welcomed by many parents who thanked me, and stated how they 'finally' are doing something.  However, after only four days, I was told to stop by Appleton Police Department stating I was 'impeding traffic'. 

 

I then reached out to Appleton Police Department, and spoke to a Captain Fritsch who clearly stated, 'there will never be a crossing guard at that intersection, and in fact, crossing guards will be reduced in years to come'. 

He sited an almost decade old 'traffic study' the city uses to justify not placing a crossing guard at Capital and Northbreeze.  He further subtly blamed 'lazy parents' and indicated an ableist solution that the kids should walk down to the other side of the school and cross where there is a crossing guard then walk back.  When I asked him to put this in a public announcement, he refused, stating it would 'be too much work'.

I asked about alternative safety measures such as a sign or 'slow down' pylon.  He indicated they 'might' be able to get a 'slow down' pylon for that intersection.  Which came weeks later, and was not consistently put in the road before and after school, because the student safety team is not allowed to go into that intersection without an adult supervisor as it's 'too dangerous'.  

I sent a message to Principal Collins asking if she would consider dismissing kids after school out the other side of the school where there is a crossing guard, no response. 

I asked the Alderperson Denise Fenton to help, she sent an email agreeing with the Police Department.  I asked the school board for help and the school district administration, they all deferred to the city and police department.  Until very recently, one school board member appears to be interested in my concerns.  

I begun video recording the crosswalk to collect footage of the dangers the kids and pedestrians face, and I have several recordings of cars speeding through the intersection, illegally parking, dropping kids off or picking them up while in traffic (not pulled over), and adults and kids almost being hit by inattentive drivers. 

I started putting the videos on social media tagging local media outlets about this issue with the hopes it will generate some action to help keep kids safe in school zones.  

Here is contact info:
AASD school board:
AASDboard@aasd.k12.wi.us
Post Crescent: pcsnews@postcrescent.com
WFRV Local 5: tips@wearegreenbay.com
WHBY: on their website you can submit an email

I have offered multiple suggestions that do not involve putting a crossing guard at this intersection of Capitol and Northbreeze. In my experience, the city, the police department, the school district and the principal at Ferber have all proven they are significantly unwilling to listen to suggestions and work towards a safe solution for all.

This is a safety issue throughout the Appleton Area School District elementary schools.  Please sign the petition to force the city and district to put permanent safety measures in place, such as: speed bumps, flashing lights, brighter crosswalk lines, traffic speed monitors, slow down road stoppers, school zone signs in front of the school, etc.  

Thank you for your support.