SOUTH BEND — School crossing guards continue to ask the Common Council to think of children’s safety and spare the guards’ jobs when setting priorities for the next city budget.

Sandy Dreibelbeis asked the council earlier this week why money is being spent on police for University of Notre Dame football weekends, the Kroc Center and for coal ash removal at Eddy Street Commons. Dreibelbeis said funding to keep school children safe has to be more important.

Sharon Howse said crossing guards have literally saved children’s lives by grabbing them before they stepped in front of moving vehicles. Howse said one time a little boy slid on the ice and practically under a bus at her crossing, and she pulled him to safety.

Council President Timothy Rouse, D-at large, said the council will do its best to meet community needs. Council members said the new budget isn’t a done deal and that they will have more hearings to ask each department more specific questions.

Read Wednesday’s South Bend Tribune for updates on this story.