One of the topics discussed at the Five on Five meeting concerned an issue currently facing the community: a crossing guard shortage. Crossing guards tend to be older (typically, they are retirees), and much of that demographic has been slow to return to the role since the COVID pandemic closed schools in 2020.It has become a real problem in town. Crossing guard positions all need to be filled. And with additional housing complexes expected to be built in the coming years, it is likely that there will be even more students in Livingston’s schools. With that will come more traffic, and an even stronger need for good people to help guide our children across busy roadways.There is nothing more important than keeping our students safe traveling to and from school. So, out of necessity, Livingston’s police officers have been covering the empty posts, at the expense of everything else they would otherwise be doing.If the town finds more crossing guards, it will free up our police officers to help direct traffic around the schools – another growing problem – as well as respond to more calls. As Police Chief Gary Marshuetz said himself at last week’s meeting, everyone in the department breathes a sigh of relief when the clock strikes 9 a.m. and school is in session, because it means that officers can focus their efforts elsewhere for the six or so hours before the school day ends in the afternoon. Chief Marshuetz has even said that officers now carry crossing guard applications on them, just in case they meet someone who is interested.Chief Marshuetz, as well as members of the Township Council and the Board of Education, have implored residents to consider signing up for the job if they are available to do so. Crossing guards work for an hour in the morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday, before and after school. Some posts run slightly longer because there are two nearby schools with staggered start and end times. In addition to daily work, substitute positions are also available, meaning that people can sign up but only elect to work when they choose to do so. Every little bit helps.If you are a retiree looking for part-time work, you will be hard-pressed to find a ten-hour-per-week gig more rewarding. How many other jobs allow you to build relationships with your neighbors, the students and families you would be helping ...
