Clark County’s Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to allocate additional funding for school crossing guards, with the explicit goal of enhancing student safety across the county. The decision greenlights an annual expenditure increase of $715,557 specifically for hiring more crossing guards to patrol school zones.
This funding boost will allow the county to spend nearly $64 million on crossing guard services under an amended contract. The new contract is slated to commence in July 2025 and includes provisions for renewal, potentially extending these services into 2035.
The county released a statement asserting that the safety of children traveling to and from school has been a top priority for the Board. The statement also referenced earlier county initiatives to place crossing guards outside middle schools. According to the county, this recent action is intended to ensure more guards can be hired, preventing any challenges when schools require additional personnel.
Despite the approval of additional funds, specific details regarding the new hires remain pending. When asked for specifics about the contract changes, such as the exact number of new crossing guards, their intended placement, and when they would commence patrolling crosswalks, a county spokesperson indicated that answers were still being sought as of Tuesday evening.
This increased investment comes as Las Vegas Valley municipalities have intensified efforts to position crossing guards at more schools in recent years. This trend is a direct response to a concerning rise in the number of student pedestrians being struck by vehicles. Data compiled by the Clark County School District Police Department highlights the severity of the issue, reporting 122 students struck by vehicles since the current school year began on August 10. The previous school year saw an even higher total, with 432 children hit by vehicles.
Krista Holloway, founder of the student pedestrian advocacy group Walk Safely LV, voiced strong support for the county's decision. She characterized the additional funds as an “amazing investment in student safety.” Holloway further explained that the presence of crossing guards significantly enhances driver awareness of children pedestrians. She also noted that guards contribute to a greater sense of security for both parents and students. Holloway expressed satisfaction, stating, “I’m happy that the county is doing something about it.” She further remarked on the widespread concern among parents, observing that drivers' behavior is not improving. The move by the Board of County Commissioners underscores a continued commitment to addressing pedestrian safety challenges faced by students commuting to and from schools throughout Clark County.
