Public Works Agency
www.santa-ana.org/public-works
Item # 7
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 5, 2024
TOPIC: Crossing Guards
TITLE
Update Regarding Crossing Guards
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Accept informational report.
DISCUSSION
This report summarizes the existing conditions of the City’s crossing guard program.
Provider and Funding
• Provider: All City Management
• Contract Term: Started July 1, 2023, for three years with two one- year renewal options (up to FY 27/28)
• Contract Amount: Not to exceed $5,343,125 with built-in cost escalation • Annual Funding Breakdown:
o 2023-24: $998,242
o 2024-25: $998,242
o 2025-26: $1,085,015
o 2026-27: $1,130,813
o 2027-28: $1,130,813
Program Criteria and Coverage
• Eligibility: Evaluated by traffic engineering staff; must meet established criteria.
Private schools are excluded, and schools must serve elementary students. • Current Service: 47 crossing guards for 32 schools with elementary students • District Coverage:
o Orange Unified School District: 1 guard, 1 school
o Garden Grove Unified School District: 7 guards, 5 schools o Santa Ana Unified School District: 39 guards, 26 schools (including one charter school)
o Charter Schools: 1 guard (self-funded), 0 schools served
Update Regarding Crossing Guards
August 5, 2024
Crossing Guard Locations
• Detailed list of existing locations, primarily in the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), with specific intersections and schools
Reduction in Service
• Due to cost increases, the service level will decrease:
o Removed eight unwarranted crossing guard locations
o No summer school crossing guard program
o Possible reduction in crossing guard hours
o Re-evaluation of all existing locations
o Potential removal of additional locations to stay within budget o Consideration of school districts funding additional crossing guards if necessary
Volunteer Program
• Challenges identified with volunteer crossing guards, including punctuality, reliability, and maintaining an adequate pool
• The current provider refuses to manage a volunteer program due t o past unsuccessful experiences
Safe Routes to Schools Plan
• Focus on infrastructure improvements for traffic safety along school routes. • Received about $60 million in Active Transportation Program funds for 19 SAUSD schools
• Funds used for curb extensions, ADA ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.
Update Regarding Crossing Guards
August 5, 2024
Conclusion
• Any changes to the crossing guard program should take into consideration maintaining and adjusting service levels based on funding and operat ional changes, while exploring alternative funding sources and infrastructure improvements to enhance safety.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Presentation
Submitted By: Nabil Saba, Executive Director of the Public Works Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, Acting City Manager