As the new school year begins, the City of Fort Worth’s Transportation & Public Works (TPW) Department is reminding families to use designated markings when walking, biking, or driving to school. The department emphasizes the importance of following speed limits and stopping for students at crosswalks.
The School Crossing Guard Program, managed by TPW, provides pedestrian safety services across all 15 area school districts. The program operates during drop-off and pickup times throughout the academic year and extends coverage into the summer if needed. According to city officials, crossing guards recently completed updated training that began over the summer. This year, they are receiving $16.07 per hour as part of a pay increase.
Each year, TPW works with school districts to update drop-off and pickup times, which determine when school zones are active. Because start and end times vary among schools in Fort Worth, drivers may see flashing lights indicating active school zones well after 4 p.m.
This year, the School Crossing Guard Program partnered with city summer camps to deliver a pedestrian and traffic safety initiative called “Future Teens in the Driver Seat.” The program targeted elementary and middle school students to raise awareness about distracted walking and driving, dangers of texting on the road, and overall traffic responsibility. Students participated in hands-on activities and educational driving simulations designed to highlight real-life consequences of unsafe behavior near roads.
Safety remains a top priority for both the City and local school districts. The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) School Resource Officers (SROs), who are full-time police officers contracted mainly with Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD), serve at middle and high schools. Currently, there are 59 SROs assigned to local schools. In addition to their protective role on campuses, SROs participate in educational events and community outreach with students and families.
“Safety is the No. 1 focus for the City and local school districts,” according to city officials.
