Some parents describe the traffic situation at the school as an accident waiting to happen, in part, because they believe the traffic signal is not long enough, leaving children to run to make it across while cars encroach to make a turn.
This year, all cars are squeezing through one entrance to the school because of construction.
"You've got a traffic situation where there are simply not the signals and supervision necessary to keep it safe," said East Millbrook Principal David Ansbacher. "We need to have a crossing guard there."
Ansbacher said a student did get hit last year at the crosswalk, though not seriously.
"We've made the (request for a crossing guard) every year, and I feel like I don't have to wait for someone to get hurt worse to have a change happen," he said.
Traffic engineers and police surveyed the area and noticed students jaywalking or getting dropped off on nearby Spring Forest Road.
"We're trying to compile a good factually based study on what the situation is, and that should provide guidance on what the best options might be," Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue said.
Raleigh police plan to meet with Ansbacher on Friday to discuss possible solutions. It would be up to the City Council to decide whether the school gets a crossing guard.
The only middle school in Raleigh that currently uses one is Carroll Middle School on Six Forks Road.
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