SBSO Reminds Residents: School is Back in Session

As students across St. Bernard Parish head back to class this week for the start of the 2025-26 school year, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office is reminding drivers to use extra caution – especially in and around school zones.
“With school back in session, we’re asking everyone to slow down, stay alert, and watch for children near schools, crosswalks, and bus stops,” Sheriff James Pohlmann said. “A moment of caution can prevent a tragedy and a lifetime of regret.”
To help promote safety as students return to class, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office will have an increased presence in school zones, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. Deputies from the Traffic Division will be actively monitoring these areas to enforce speed limits and encourage safe, attentive driving.
The Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guards, stationed at key intersections throughout the parish, also play a vital role in ensuring students get to and from school safely each day.
“These men and women brave the heat, rain, and early mornings to protect students crossing busy roadways and to help keep traffic moving safely around school campuses,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Their presence not only enhances safety – it gives parents peace of mind.”
Lt. Eric Eilers, who oversees the Crossing Guards, said there are about a dozen individuals who assist with traffic and pedestrian safety at parish schools. They are authorized to stop the flow of traffic in designated school zones, allowing children to cross safely and helping school buses arrive and depart on time.
Sheriff Pohlmann reminds drivers to remain especially cautious during school commute hours and urges everyone to keep the following safety tips in mind:

Be cautious in school zones, obey posted speed limits, and watch for pedestrians.
Watch for children walking, biking, or entering/exiting school buses.
Never pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended – it’s illegal and dangerous.
Avoid distractions – put your phone down and focus on the road.
Follow the directions of crossing guards – they are trained to ensure the safety of students and motorists alike.

“As a community, we all share the responsibility of protecting our children,” the Sheriff said. “Let’s work together to make this school year a safe one.”

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guards are stationed at key intersections throughout the parish during the school year to help ensure children arrive at and leave school safely each day. Lt. Eric Eilers, far left, who oversees the Crossing Guards, and Chaplain Aaron Johnson, far right, with Crossing Guards: first row, from left: Rusty Turner, Bonnie Buchert, Nicole Duggins, and Susan Gauthier. Second row, from left: Sondra Rivera, Derek Buchert, Richard Piergalski, Richard Ragan Jr., and Debbie Loustalot. Not pictured: Mae Gregoire.

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guard Derek Buchert is one of nearly a dozen stationed at key intersections throughout the parish to help ensure students get to and from school safely each day.