SPECIAL MEETING

A special meeting of Council was held on May 27, 1980 at 7:00 p.m. with members of the Capital School District Board to discuss school crossing guards and the possibility of the School District takeover of those responsibilities.

Those present were Mayor McDonough, Councilmen Carson, Carey, Witt, Boaman, Bewick and Weyandt.

Those present representing the School Board were Dr. Edward Goate, Mr. William Bass, Ms. Barbara Geissinger, Mr. Charles Hall and Mr. Jeff Reed. Also present was Father Jennings, representing Holy Cross.

Mayor McDonough opened the discussion by announcing that the meeting would be open to the public and the press through mutual consent of the two bodies.

Referring to a recommendation by the Legislative and Finance Committee, Mr. Witt stated that the City should not have the responsibility of furnishing crossing guards for any school district. He added that this program is a cost burden to the City that also incurs unemployment compensation during the summer months. This would be non-existent if guards were under School Board jurisdiction. The total cost to the City annually amounts to approximately $25,000, plus unemployment benefits. During the school year, City of Dover police are required to fill in where vacancies occur, causing interference with emergency situations in some instances.

Mr. Weyandt pointed out that the City of Dover stands alone statewide in shouldering the entire burden of crossing guards for school districts. He informed those present that a majority of the property within the municipal limits is untaxable. Therefore, the budget of school crossing guards is an added burden that is not needed. It was his opinion that students are the responsibility of the school district.

Mr. Jeff Reed felt that school children are the responsibility of the entire community and that the two bodies should not be at odds in this determination. It was his opinion that neither the School Board or the City Council could afford to jeopardize the life of a child.

Ms. Barbara Geissinger stated that the City of Dover could raise additional taxes with less difficulty than the Capital School District.

Father Jennings stated that Holy Cross has no tax base and felt that the real issue is public safety. He reminded those present that the new Kent General Hospital Emergency Room entrance is on State Street, immediately adjacent to Holy Cross entrance which creates an additional hazard.

Dr. Goate related research that revealed that the Town of Smyrna furnishes crossing guards for one elementary school. Milford guards are supplied by the Police Department and Lake forest School District utilizes school personnel. He felt that student responsibility lies with the School District if the child rides a school bus, but he found it hard to believe that the District is responsible for children walking from their home to the school. He stated that the School District is experiencing financial problems in the amount of $180,000 due to increased energy costs. This has caused an unbalanced budget situation; something that the School District has never experienced in the past. Therefore, due to the fiscal financial problems, he felt it virtually impossible for the School District to assume the cost of school crossing guards at this time.

Relating to the approximate 616 School District employees, Mr. Carey suggested utilizing a portion of this personnel to man crossings.

Dr. Goate stated that the School District had considered this possibility or a segment of the student ROTC program. However, in discussing this with the District’s insurance carrier, they were advised that they would not be covered in the area of liability.

After further discussion, it was decided that a future meeting be held with a representation of School Board members and City Council, including a representative of Holy Cross. The findings of this committee will report back within thirty (30) days with a mutual recommendation to be considered by the entire group.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.

                                                                                    WILLIAM H. WILLIS

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

JOSEPH M. MCDONOUGH

                                                                                    MAYOR

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