FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- A 6-year-old boy's tragic death is causing his school district to take action in hopes of improving safety for students on their way to and from school.
"After that occurred really, the conversation centered around what can we do -- and bigger than that, what can our community do in our shared responsibility to keep kids safe," said Madeline Noblett, the Executive Director of Communications for the Poudre School District.
Kindergartener Vale Wolkow was killed on November 5 when an SUV struck the boy as he crossed the street next to Lopez Elementary School. Ever since his death, parents have been calling for additional crossing guards.
The Poudre School District announced a pilot program for volunteer safety monitors. They are searching for four volunteers at Lopez Elementary and recently posted two paid crossing guard positions.
In addition to crossing guards, the district also plans to hire a traffic consultant to review safety at two schools, including Lopez Elementary and Zach Elementary. That person will look at bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
"This is a complex issue and there are a number of factors to consider when you have thousands of kids and parents going into schools ever day," said Noblett.
