Hamilton schools are short crossing guards as students start second week of classes
A number of Hamilton schools are short crossing guards as students head into the second week of school.
The City of Hamilton is looking to hire part-time guards for 30 locations, as well as spare" guards, spokesperson Aisling Higgins said in an email to The Spectator.
There are 228 locations with crossing guards - all near schools - in the city. Hamilton also has 37 positions for backup guards.
The city says the majority" of elementary schools would have a crossing guard location to help students get to school safely.
City spokesperson Ava van Heerden said the shortage is more significant than in previous years.
There has been a small shortage over the last few years but this school year has been the most difficult," she said.
Van Heerden said staff don't know exactly why, but speculate that there is a correlation between COVID-19 closures from the past year and people looking for more stable' employment."
The city is looking for candidates who are interested in serving their community while earning extra income," according to the job description.
It is challenging due to relative low number of hours per week, schedule and job requirements," Higgins said.
Crossing guards typically work fewer than 15 hours per week outside, in rain, cold and snow. In Hamilton, they are paid $16.36 an hour, up from $16.10 in 2020. The minimum wage in Ontario is $14.35.
In an email, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) spokesperson Shawn McKillop said crossing guards play an important role in maintaining safe school environments.
They are the caring adult in the community who helps and assists students as they arrive to school and as they travel home at the end of the day," he said.
At the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), 11 schools - St. Thomas the Apostle, Holy Name of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Gabriel, St. Michael, St. Mark, St. James the Apostle, Regina Mundi, St. John Paul II, St. Luke, and Sts. Peter and Paul - are without a crossing guard.
Students will need to pay closer attention to crossing," chair Pat Daly said in an email to The Spectator.
Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter covering education at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com