Community at the Crosswalk: Mesquite ISD’s Story 

Back-to-school season is underway, and families are starting to settle into their daily routines- like doing homework, packing lunches, and navigating pick-ups and drop-offs.  Crossing guards are key players in ensuring students get to and from school safely. Early in the morning, they are ready to serve as a dependable, friendly face to not only protect students, but often times to provide a boost of positivity to kick off the day.  

This is certainly true at Mesquite ISD. The program, composed of over 100 crossing guards, showcases the success of combining streamlined operations, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to what matters most. 

“It’s about keeping kids safe first, but it’s also about building those relationships,” said Risk Management Manager Cheryl Courson. 

Strong Foundations 

While Cheryl oversees the Mesquite ISD Crossing Guard program, Paul “Reese” Biggs manages day-to-day operations. He largely credits the program’s structure with its success.  

Reese works closely with five lead guards who support him by handling timecards, filling in during staff shortages, building trust among the crossing guards, and training new crossing guards.  

At the start of each school year, Reese and the lead guards head to each intersection to go over best practices, protocol, and specific information that guards should know about their crosswalks. 

“They’re the ones that do the mentoring with new guards, making sure they know the corners and what to expect,” Reese said. “If somebody’s struggling or needs extra help, one of the leads will usually be the one to go out there first.” 

 Crossing guards are strategically placed throughout the jurisdiction, which includes parts of Mesquite, Garland, Balch Springs, and Dallas.  

 “We’ve got some high-traffic areas, so we try to be really intentional about where we place guards,” Reese explained.  

Crossing guards are placed as close to their homes as possible to help them better commit to the role and regularly engage with their neighbors.  

Prepared for Every Situation 

Training takes place before day one- at New Year Orientation. This is the foundation for training throughout the year.  

“Reese starts the training right then and there,” Courson explained. “They learn what they need to know, what could happen, who they report to, and they meet their lead crossing guard.” 

Guards are given the tools they need to do the job: a stop paddle, safety vest, cap, raincoat, winter coat, whistle, and more. They are also issued an employee handbook that outlines expectations for participating in the program, explains the ins and outs of their corners, and most importantly, teaches them how to make safety-driven decisions.  

“At the end of the day, it’s about the safety of the kids. That’s the number one priority,” Reese said. 

To support that priority, the handbook outlines key protocols such as:  

• Guards cannot direct traffic. 
• Blow your whistle and raise your stop paddle/flag before entering the street. 
• Maintain visibility, alternate pedestrian/vehicle flow, and stay courteous. 
• Recognize threats by being constantly aware. 
• Avoid using your phone or wearing earbuds. 

Guards also receive hands-on safety training to prepare for real-world emergencies. They are exposed to risks such as extreme weather conditions and distracted drivers. Training beyond mechanics of the job is imperative. 

“Last year we started doing safety training with our safety and security department, so the crossing guards know what to do if there's an active shooter in their area or on the campus, or what to do in any emergency situation,” Courson said. 

The Heart of the Team 

 Finding and keeping great crossing guards can be challenging. Mesquite ISD has learned that embracing guards as family and making sure they feel valued makes a huge difference.  

“It’s a tough job to sell. You really have to sell them when they come here to let them know why it’s worth staying for it because it is only two hours a day,” Reese said. 

Once the right people are hired, the focus shifts to keeping morale high through recognition, regular check-ins, hands-on support, and a healthy dose of community engagement.  

“We do have guards that stick to it because they make those relationships with the students and parents, and they love that,” Reese said. 

Local Heroes in Action 

Crossing guards may only spend a few minutes with students each day, but their presence makes a lasting impact. As Reese put it, “They’re the first MISD representatives that kids and parents interact with in the morning.” 

Consistency creates meaningful bonds and reassures families that their children’s safety is in the hands of trained, dedicated adults. “Parents feel good knowing somebody is watching their kids cross the street and making sure they get to campus safely. 

“Our crossing guards are like local heroes in their neighborhoods,” said Reese.