This idea came out of our ongoing sidewalk and bridge conversation (see the main thread here, but I thought it deserved its own space. This isn’t an either/or choice between topics — both discussions can easily co-exist and may well both warrant being implemented.
At our last Council meeting my good friend and fellow Council member @David.Atton gave us all a laugh when he suggested “lollipop people” to help kids cross the street. For those of us who were scratching our heads, that’s the English term for what we call crossing guards here in the U.S. (officially “School Crossing Patrol” in the UK, but commonly called lollipop men, ladies, or people). David keeps us cultured!
Crossing guards do fit the spirit of Gates Mills. We love to engage with people and value that personal touch in our community. Having a friendly face on the corner is in many ways very “us.”
The idea deserves real conversation. Some have suggested that crossing guards would be cheaper than the sidewalk and bridge project (which, as a reminder, is covered by grants). But once you dig into the logistics, it gets complicated:
- Who pays the crossing guard?
- Who manages their schedule?
- What happens on vacation days or sick days?
- Do they get health care and insurance?
- What about turnover, training, or liability if something goes wrong?
And the biggest question: sidewalks are a one-time infrastructure expense, and in this case the grants cover them. A crossing guard is essentially a person on payroll forever.
What does a crossing guard actually cost?
On paper the pay looks modest: about $16–$19 per hour, usually 4 hours a day for the 180 school days (what about summer?), or around $12,000 a year. But when you add in payroll taxes, substitutes for sick or vacation days, insurance, and basic management, the real annual cost works out closer to $15,000 – $19,000 per guard.
Cost Comparison
| Option | 5 Years | 10 Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crossing Guard (1) | $75,000 – $95,000 | $150,000 – $190,000 | Ongoing payroll, management required |
| Sidewalk & Bridge (grants) | One-time project | Still one-time | Covered by grants, no ongoing payroll |
Are crossing guards even common anymore?
From what I’ve seen, they’re increasingly rare. Many communities have moved away from the model due to cost, staffing difficulties, and liability. I honestly can’t remember the last time I saw one in action (Maybe Shaker Heights?). Does anyone have statistics or local experience to share?
David, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this and invite you to kick off a friendly discourse here on the forum. Do “lollipop people” make sense for Gates Mills, or is long-term infrastructure the better path?
Somebody has to jump start this forum, and since you brought up the “lollipop people” idea, I can’t think of a better person to get this discussion rolling. Grab your lollipop sign 
and wave us across into the conversation — thanks in advance for lending your voice, I know the community will value your perspective.