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.<\/p>\n
There are dozens of positions being eliminated in this budget.<\/p>\n
Six crossing guards are on that list.<\/p>\n
Many people say this is now a public safety issue.<\/p>\n
Diane Fisher has been a crossing guard for thirty years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love my job so much I may just keep it until I can\u2019t do it anymore,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s budget has other plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not right,\u201d said Bobby Porter, New London. <\/p>\n
\u201cSadly, this is what a flat-funded budget looks like,\u201d said Elaine Maynard-Adams, New London Board of Education. <\/p>\n
The New London Board of Education has reduced its budget by $4.5 million.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s 48 positions, including 6 crossing guards, 6 administrators, secretaries and a social worker.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is that with no additional funding, we can\u2019t be all things to all people anymore,\u201d Maynard-Adams said. <\/p>\n
Covid money has run out and the budget has been flatlined.<\/p>\n
There are seven crossing guards in New London. <\/p>\n
All but one will be eliminated, including Fisher.<\/p>\n
The one crossing guard that is staying will be stationed on Williams Street.<\/p>\n
That is because there are no stop signs on Williams Street.<\/p>\n
This is right in between the middle school and elementary school.<\/p>\n
Fisher\u2019s office has been the intersection of Lincoln and Connecticut for three decades.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s gotten to know the people who live there, like Bobby Porter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis street right here you\u2019d think is the highway sometime. Some people do 60,\u201d Porter said. \u201cBut when Miss. Diane is here she\u2019s got that jacket and stop sign, no body is doing 60 down this street.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I got the news yesterday I couldn\u2019t believe it,\u201d Fisher said. <\/p>\n
The community is now worried for the many students who walk to and from school.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely piece of mind to know that somebody who watched over you as a kid is watching over your kids,\u201d Porter said. <\/p>\n
Unless the city is able to get more funding no changes will be made to the budget.<\/p>\n
The Board of Education meets again on June 9th.<\/p>\n
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