Jersey City’s school year has just started, but parents are already worried about a shortage of school crossing guards. Dozens of busy intersections near schools don’t have enough coverage, and the safety concerns are piling up.
This problem isn’t new—staffing challenges have lingered since before the pandemic. Now, city officials are scrambling for answers while some parents are stepping in themselves.
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The Current Crossing Guard Shortage
The Jersey City Police Department says about 150 school crossing guards are on the job right now. That’s still 60 short of what’s needed for full coverage.
It’s a slight bump from June, when the gap was closer to 70, but there’s still a long way to go. Union president Santo DellaMonica mentioned the city hasn’t had a full roster since before COVID-19.
Illnesses, vacations, and day-to-day absences make the situation worse. Parents say important intersections like 9th Street and Marin Boulevard often go uncovered, even during the busiest hours.
Dangerous Intersections and Safety Concerns
The effects are hard to ignore. Parents and neighbors have seen cars running red lights, reckless drivers, and chaotic drop-off and pick-up times.
Some schools facing these issues include:
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- Explore Middle
- P.S. 37
- P.S. 17
- P.S. 33
Some high-risk crossings, like Communipaw and West Side Avenue, only have one guard when they really need two. Other schools—P.S. 12, P.S. 34, and LCCS—never had guards or lost them years ago, so parents walk their kids themselves just to keep them safe.
Why Recruitment Is a Challenge
Hiring and keeping crossing guards has been tough for years. The job pays $21.50 per hour for about 25 hours a week, but there aren’t many benefits, and working outside in all weather isn’t for everyone.
Turnover stays high. The city’s got around 75 candidates now going through background checks, but it’ll take a while before they’re trained and ready.
Short-Term Fixes and Community Response
For now, the city’s moving guards from double-staffed intersections to cover gaps elsewhere. That just shifts the risk, though.
Sometimes police officers fill in, but they can’t do it all. Parents have started their own safety patrols, walking groups, and carpools to help out.
Impact Beyond the School Zone
This isn’t just a school problem—it affects the whole community. School zone safety shapes traffic patterns, accident rates, and even how people see Jersey City as a place to live.
Families thinking about moving here pay close attention to safety when choosing where to stay in Jersey City. It’s right up there with housing and schools.
The Bigger Picture: Jersey City’s Urban Landscape
The shortage highlights similar staffing gaps in other city districts. Just like hotel guests check out Jersey City hotels for comfort, new residents and visitors look at school safety as a big part of the city’s appeal.
It’s up to city leaders to make sure essential services—from tourism to school safety—can keep up as Jersey City grows.
Moving Forward and Staying Informed
Right now, if you’re a worried parent, your best bet is to stay in touch with school administrators and local neighborhood associations. Some residents are pushing for bigger recruitment efforts, better pay, and improved working conditions to bring in long-term staff.
Fixing this shortage isn’t simple—it’ll need city leaders, law enforcement, and the community to actually work together.
Families who already call Jersey City home, or anyone thinking about moving here, can lean on the city’s active network of residents, parent groups, and neighborhood advocates. Even though this problem needs real attention, Jersey City still has a lot going for it: vibrant communities, tons of attractions, and all sorts of things to do in Jersey City once safety gets sorted out.
Making sure our students can walk to school safely? That’s got to be the first move if we want to keep that promise.
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Here is the source article for this story: Amid Ongoing Crossing Guard Shortage, Jersey City Parents Fret Over Street Safety
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