By State Representative Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta)
(378 words)
On Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, a school crossing guard in Middleton, Georgia, was struck and killed by a reckless driver near Lindley Middle School. The event brought major awareness to the necessity for increased attention to be given to crossing guards in order to e
nsure that this tragedy is never repeated.
After hearing about this devastating incident, I decided that it was imperative to honor crossing guards within my district for their commitment to ensuring safety even when placed in unsafe situations every day. I am committed to working together with legislators and citizens alike to fight for effective solutions to pertinent issues and for the inclusion and recognition of all, and I understand the importance of the many significant occupations that often go overlooked within today’s society.
On March 2, 2018, I held ceremonies at Anderson Elementary School and the Cleveland Branch Area Library to honor these crossing guards and s
afety patrols whose presence in communities throughout Georgia is greatly appreciated. Twenty excited safety patrols were honored during the first ceremony and noted that the best aspect of being a safety patrol was having the opportunity to help other students and be a leader. The crossing guards honored during the second ceremony emphasized the true care and concern they have with the students and the positive relationships they build with each other even in the 60 or less seconds it ta kes for these students to cross the street. The ceremony also became a strategy session where suggestions for improving the safety and working conditions of crossing guards were proposed.
I am committed to addressing these concerns and will further honor these crossing guards at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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