NEW LONDON, Conn. (WFSB) – Because of cuts in the budget in New London, a number of crossing guards have been told they will lose their jobs.
There are dozens of positions being eliminated in this budget.
Six crossing guards are on that list.
Many people say this is now a public safety issue.
Diane Fisher has been a crossing guard for thirty years.
“I love my job so much I may just keep it until I can’t do it anymore,” she said.
This year’s budget has other plans.
“It’s not right,” said Bobby Porter, New London.
“Sadly, this is what a flat-funded budget looks like,” said Elaine Maynard-Adams, New London Board of Education.
The New London Board of Education has reduced its budget by $4.5 million.
That’s 48 positions, including 6 crossing guards, 6 administrators, secretaries and a social worker.
“The reality is that with no additional funding, we can’t be all things to all people anymore,” Maynard-Adams said.
Covid money has run out and the budget has been flatlined.
There are seven crossing guards in New London.
All but one will be eliminated, including Fisher.
The one crossing guard that is staying will be stationed on Williams Street.
That is because there are no stop signs on Williams Street.
This is right in between the middle school and elementary school.
Fisher’s office has been the intersection of Lincoln and Connecticut for three decades.
She’s gotten to know the people who live there, like Bobby Porter.
“This street right here you’d think is the highway sometime. Some people do 60,” Porter said. “But when Miss. Diane is here she’s got that jacket and stop sign, no body is doing 60 down this street.”
“When I got the news yesterday I couldn’t believe it,” Fisher said.
The community is now worried for the many students who walk to and from school.
“It’s definitely piece of mind to know that somebody who watched over you as a kid is watching over your kids,” Porter said.
Unless the city is able to get more funding no changes will be made to the budget.
The Board of Education meets again on June 9th.
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