Crossing Guards Are Coming Back To 10 Fairfax County High Schools

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Crossing guards and police officers will return to 11 locations serving 10 Fairfax County high schools while officials evaluate pedestrian safety concerns following the elimination of high school crossing guards this year.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay announced the temporary change Wednesday, one day after supervisors talked about whether to restore crossing guards and a student was struck by a vehicle near South Lakes High School.

Fairfax County police will provide traffic and pedestrian-crossing support at previously staffed locations serving Centreville, West Potomac, McLean, South Lakes, Edison, Annandale, South County, West Springfield, Chantilly and Oakton high schools. Two locations will be covered at South Lakes.

The support will remain in place while county officials evaluate conditions and determine longer-term solutions.

The move represents a shift from Tuesday, when supervisors were still weighing how extensively to restore crossing guards eliminated from the county's fiscal 2027 budget. County officials said restoring all 13 or 14 eliminated positions would cost about $900,000, while the county's carryover package currently includes a $400,000 placeholder for a more limited restoration.

Student Struck Near South Lakes

The debate took on new urgency Tuesday after a student was struck by a vehicle near South Lakes High School.

Police confirmed the crash did not happen at a location that previously had a crossing guard, a point McKay reiterated Wednesday. Still, he said the incident demonstrated the need to continue evaluating conditions around schools and determine whether additional safety measures are needed.

During Tuesday's budget committee meeting, county staff identified Edison, South Lakes, West Springfield, Centreville and West Potomac among the high schools showing more significant traffic challenges after the first week of classes.

Supervisors had called for immediate action at locations already considered problematic rather than waiting until the board's Sept. 15 vote on the county's carryover package.

County officials said Tuesday that police officers could temporarily provide coverage, although doing so could create staffing challenges. The county has also struggled to hire crossing guards, with 235 applicants over the previous two years resulting in only 10 hires.

Longer-Term Safety Improvements

McKay said Wednesday that crossing guards are only one part of the county's pedestrian-safety efforts.

Fairfax County has also pursued speed cameras in school and work zones, as well as on school bus stop arms. The Board of Supervisors has committed $100 million over six years to walking and biking infrastructure projects, with more than $80 million already allocated.

County officials are expected to continue working with Fairfax County Public Schools, police and the Virginia Department of Transportation as they evaluate individual crossings and potential permanent improvements.

Supervisors are scheduled to consider the crossing-guard funding as part of the Sept. 15 carryover vote.