ELYRIA — The crossing guard situation likely will be resolved this month by the Elyria Schools.

Superintendent Paul Rigda is expected to recommend to the school board during its July 22 meeting that the district contract with a private firm to provide guards for next year.

The old system — in which the city and the school board split the annual bill — won’t work now that cash-strapped Elyria cannot pay its portion. That left the entire amount to be paid by the school board, and it cannot cover the bill in its entirety, either.

“It’s difficult to try to staff more than

40 positions that were previously paid for jointly,” said Amy Higgins, district spokeswoman. “Now, we’re still trying to have the same coverage with half that amount.”

Last year, the total cost of the guards, who were part-time employees of the Police Department and members of a collective bargaining unit, was approximately $400,000.

Higgins said if a private company is hired, its employees will have to undergo extensive background checks, and the company probably would give consideration to people who currently serve as crossing guards.

“They have assured us they will seek highly qualified applicants,” Higgins said. The guards “will be carefully screened and will include background checks.”

But Higgins said there may be some adjustments to coverage — with a priority for guard staffing placed on high traffic areas and intersections.

“The superintendent said basically that we will have full crossing guard coverage at the majority of the crossing areas the guards were at last school year,” Higgins said. “The hours will likely be different.”

The change has been discussed at past school board meetings, and a decision likely will be made at the meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. July 22 in the board room of the Elyria Schools Administration Center, 42101 Griswold Road.

Contact Andrew Harner at 329-7155 or ctnews@chroniclet.com.

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