Pacific Grove school crossing guard placed on leave pending investigation

In Pacific Grove, a school crossing guard is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by the District Attorney’s Office.

After getting many calls from concerned parents, the Pacific Grove Unified School District sent out a letter about the inicident Friday. In short, it says, “Matters of student safety are of paramount importance. We are monitoring the situation. No further information will be released by the city.”

“We’d like to know more about what’s going on, but are not being told,” said Assistant Superintendent Rick Miller.

Miller, who along with other school leaders, are being left in the dark.

Crossing guards aren’t managed by the district; rather the city of Pacific Grove is in charge of them. City Manager Thomas Frutchey said a male crossing guard was placed on leave this month after his name came up during an ongoing investigation.

“This doesn’t mean he’s accused of anything. This doesn’t mean that he’sgetting either a disciplinary action by the city or prospected by the district attorney. None of that is known, intended or should be inferred,” said Frutchey.

Frutchey said the crossing guard’s alleged involvement in the investigation is preliminary. The city placed the man on leave as a precaution.

“We’ve been getting calls, the school district has been getting calls, the police department is getting calls, the district attorney is getting calls. I don’t blame parents for being concerned.”

The city has hired a temporary crossing guard until the investigation is complete.