Bring back the crossing guards

To the editor:
    We the Presque Isle Elementary PTO — in response to Presque Isle City Manager, Tom Steven’s recent decision not to post school crossing guards at the four usual spots in Presque Isle — would strongly encourage municipal officials to reconsider their position.      Our PTO which serves children ages 4-7 at Pine Street Elementary School and children ages 8-11 at Zippel Elementary School believe that the crossing guard service that the city has provided for the past 45 years is vital in protecting our children.  
    While SAD 1 children receive an outstanding education and show a lot of maturity, we know that younger children still need proper supervision and guidance to arrive at school and back home again safely each day.  
    The PTO, teachers, and parents need the community’s support to keep our children safe.  One unfortunate incident of a child being struck while crossing the street would be too many, and the city can prevent that from happening by reinstating crossing guards.  
    We recognize that financial constraints plague everyone including the city, but there must be a “safer” place to cut the budget so that the children aren’t the ones paying the price.  
    We hope that city officials reinstate school crossing guards and keep our future safe.