The vote increases crossing guards’ starting pay to an hourly rate of $15 in addition to an attendance pay incentive of $50 per pay period. Compensation for school closures and holidays will also be included. The current rate for crossing guards is $12.13. The total maximum annual cost increase of the changes will be $131,155.
The Flower Mound Police Department proposed the new compensation to help with recruitment and retention after experiencing a downward trend in staffing over the last five years. The department cited split shift-work schedules, harsh working conditions and traveling with personal vehicles amid high gas prices as obstacles that have led to recruiting challenges. The city is directing the funds toward the police department because the department runs the crossing guard program.
“This is a unique job with a unique and special demographic of people who are able to fit this kind of work into their schedule and have the desire to do it,” Lt. Steven Strickland said during the meeting. “This is the best way to compensate them.”
The department’s school crossing guard program serves 11 elementary schools and five middle schools. The program will add an additional school at the start of the upcoming school year due to Argyle ISD opening a new elementary school in Flower Mound.
Under the new plan, crossing guards already making $15 or above will receive an $0.87 increase along with the attendance incentive and annual pay raises. The new increase will take effect before the start of the 2022-23 school year.
