Villa Park officials say they will consolidate a crossing-guard program for elementary schools by trimming the number of guards to six from eight.
Villa Park Elementary School District 45 representatives last month told village officials that changes in its busing program may require additional crossing guards.
But Village Manager Wayne Lulay said, ”The village will provide training and equipment, but no new guards.”
A study of District 45`s new busing plan shows that six guards are required, Lulay said.
Beginning in September, only students living 1.5 miles or more from schools will be bused, rather than 1 mile, as under the previous arrangment. The decision trims expenses and brings the school district in line with state regulations, said Barbara Devlin, school superintendant.
The school district is facing a budget deficit, which it attributes to increasing enrollment without a corresponding increase in revenue, said Devlin.
