FORT MILL, S.C. — Fort Mill Schools says they will no longer have crossing guards handle traffic as students return to the classroom next week.
“It’s a little unnerving,” a Fort Mill mother told Channel 9. “We did not expect this. This was a surprise to everyone.”
The Herald reported the announcement went out to parents on Wednesday.
The district announced that crossing guards will be stationed at all marked crosswalks to assist students in crossing the street safely. However, due to a lack of guards, they will not be directing traffic in and out of school grounds.
In prior years, the district used a third-party provider to staff crossing guards. This year, the district said that company will no longer supply traffic guards to direct traffic entering and exiting school grounds.
This decision follows a tragic incident last school year where one guard was killed and another injured after being hit by cars.
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In a statement from the district, Fort Mill says it is temporarily implementing a right-turn only rule at some of the busiest schools to improve safety and efficiency.
“That is not a long-term, permanent solution, but that is the one we did have to put in place, just so we could get started on Monday,” said Joe Burke, the chief communication officer with Fort Mill Schools.
“That is not a long-term, permanent solution, but that is the one we did have to put in place, just so we could get started on Monday,” said Joe Burke, the chief communication officer with Fort Mill Schools.
State Rep. David Martin, R-York, is pushing back on the temporary solution.
Martin said in a letter that he is calling for emergency measures to handle the district’s traffic, which includes state troopers or other law enforcement groups.
Burke said the district is already considering that for the future.
“Our local law enforcement here has been responsive and that we’re working on the process for maybe being able to use off-duty officers to direct that traffic,” Burke said.
The district reiterated that crossing guards will still be in place to assist students in crossing the street safely.
Drivers can still make a left at the entrances of the six Fort Mill schools but will only be able to right turn at the exits, for now.
The district is asking for patience from parents during this adjustment period. They also recommend all eligible students to utilize bus transportation. If that’s not an option, Fort Mill Schools advises parents to drive safely as local police will be increasing their presence in school zones.
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