Friends,

Over the last week, I have heard from many parents and residents regarding high school crossing guards. In hearing your concerns, I initiated a conversation at yesterday’s Budget Policy Committee meeting for the Board of Supervisors (BOS) and County staff to discuss the issue further. The conversation was open and productive regarding a path forward.

Given yesterday’s discussion, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) will provide traffic and pedestrian-crossing support through police officers and crossing guards at 11 previously staffed locations serving Centreville, West Potomac, McLean, South Lakes, Edison, Annandale, South County, West Springfield, Chantilly, and Oakton High Schools, including two locations serving South Lakes. This support will remain in place while evaluations are completed.

I’m especially concerned about the student who was struck near South Lakes High School yesterday, and I wish them a full and speedy recovery. FCPD has confirmed that the location where the accident occurred did not previously have a crossing guard. The incident underscores the importance of continuing to evaluate conditions around our schools and identifying where additional safety measures may be needed.

I would like to thank our community, school advocates, my colleagues on the BOS, as well as School Board Members S. Anderson, McDaniel, and St. John-Cunning for their collaboration and input on this issue. I would also like to thank County staff, Chief Davis, and FCPD for their responsiveness to the concerns we have heard. This was a team effort, with multiple partners working together as we continue to transition to permanent solutions around our schools and countywide.

Pedestrian safety has long been a priority for Fairfax County, and we have continued to look for ways to make our roads safer. This is a community issue, and improving safety for our students, pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers requires a community-wide effort. Beyond the presence of uniformed crossing guards, permanent solutions include public infrastructure improvements that facilitate safe multimodal travel.

These efforts have been multipronged. The BOS lobbied and worked with partners in the General Assembly on enabling authorities to place speed cameras in school and work zones, as well as cameras on school bus stop arms. The BOS has also committed $100 million over six years to active transportation projects throughout Fairfax County, of which over $80 million has already been allocated. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) also plays an important role as the entity responsible for operating and maintaining the vast majority of roads in Fairfax County. As a County, we have been engaged with VDOT in a number of areas to deliver infrastructure improvements for residents, and you have our BOS’ commitment to continue these efforts.

I look forward to continuing to work with our community, FCPD, Fairfax County Public Schools, VDOT, and all stakeholders to make meaningful improvements for all who use our roads and sidewalks throughout Fairfax County. At the same time, safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you are driving, walking, or biking, we all have a responsibility to know and follow the rules of the road, use the infrastructure provided to us safely, and remain aware of those around us. Through our Take a Moment campaign, we encourage everyone, especially in and around school zones, to slow down, pay attention, and take a moment to help keep one another safe.