Lehighton continues to search for solutions to address its crossing guard shortage.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said at Monday’s borough council meeting that the borough currently employs 10 crossing guards, but is looking for more.

DeWire said they are part-time employees hired through the borough police department at the rate of $10 an hour.

He said the borough has $65,000 in this year’s budget for crossing guard compensation.

DeWire said the borough pays 40% of their compensation, while the Lehighton Area School District picks up the other 60 %.

Borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky weighed in on the matter.

“We do have some spots that are open,” Abelovsky said. “We are looking to bring some people on.”

Councilman Ryan Saunders said that he likes the idea of filling shifts.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said there are several locations that lack coverage.

The borough and the school district have tried to get on the same page concerning crossing guard plans.

In July 2022, representatives from each entity discussed how to address personnel shortages that have been leaving several key intersections unmanned.

Saunders noted at that time that over the course of one school year, they had 135 crossing guards shifts go uncovered.