Wallyhood reader and neighbor Anne tipped us off to the following need in our community:
For several years, Mel helped children cross 40th street on their way to and from John Stanford International School every morning and afternoon. He was an dedicated and friendly presence in the neighborhood. He was there—rain or shine—with a huge smile and a warm greeting for all who passed by.This year, Mel accepted a crossing guard position at an elementary school in his neighborhood. He is greatly missed, not only by the children who remember him for handing out pencils on the first day of school, candy on Halloween, Valentines, and just because, and erasers for the last day, but he is also mourned by the parents on the south side of 40th who relied on him to get their children across a road which often feels like you are playing frogger with your life.The school district is searching for a new crossing guard, but with the school year nearly 20 percent over, no one has accepted the job. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, here is the job advertisement. I am guessing the hours would be 7-8 AM and 2-3 PM.
Seattle Public Schools Transportation Department
Excellent Employment Opportunities for retirees, college students, and those interested in part-time work.
Hourly Adult Crossing Guards / Starting at $13.
Essential Functions:
Safely crossing students to and from school at assorted locations. Standing for extended periods of time (in all types of weather) at intersections and roads.
Qualifications:
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.Must pass background check.
Candidate must be at least 18 years of age, mature, caring, and safety minded.
Interested Applicants Please Contact:
Yvonne Carpenter, Field Staff Lead 206 -252 -0907
thanks for posting this. Many will miss his attitude. This is a not very safe crossing for kids. Parents? Can 2 split the job?
I was wondering where he had gone; I saw him on my pedestrian/bike commute back from UW when I chose to take 40th. I’ll definitely miss the smile and wave.
I wonder if, in the meantime, SDOT could be persuaded to reduce speed limits on 40th to 25mph like they’ve done on other arterials? Or maybe SPD could be persuaded to come out and do speed enforcement. I’ve seen SPD out a total of one time on 40th in 10 years of living in Wallingford. In the few minutes it took to walk by, the two officers had pulled over and ticketed three drivers; they had a pipeline going with one officer operating the radar gun and directing offenders onto a side street, while the other officer was writing tickets.
GOOD point from my wife. no crossing guards when we were kids. dodging traffic and the occasional being hit by a Ford Cortina just part of the magic of growing up!