Alexandria, Va. – As the new school year settles in, parents of elementary‑age children are voicing concerns over transportation safety near Mount Vernon Community School. The intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue and Glebe Road, a notoriously busy crossing, has become a daily obstacle for children as young as five and six who must navigate it on foot.
Walk‑zone changes spark confusion
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) designates “walk zones” that determine where bus service is provided. Historically, K‑8 students within a one‑mile radius and high‑school students within a mile and a half received bus service. Earlier this year, the school board voted to redraw those boundaries, eliminating bus routes for several neighborhoods that previously qualified.
Neighborhood residents say the new limits ignore the practical challenges faced by younger children. “It’s not just a mile on a map; it’s a dangerous intersection that kids can’t safely cross alone,” one parent explained while standing near the crossing.
Board cites budget and driver shortage
In response, ACPS officials acknowledge the constraints. A spokesperson for the school board noted that the district is confronting a shortage of qualified bus drivers and tighter budget allocations. “We are actively reviewing the criteria used to evaluate walk routes and will adjust the process to better reflect safety concerns,” the spokesperson said.
The board promises to present a revised plan by the end of the month, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to protect young students.
Community response and next steps
Families have organized informal meetings at the school and on social media to share experiences and propose alternatives, such as adding crossing guards or expanding the walk‑zone radius for the youngest grades. While the board has not yet committed to additional staffing or funding, it has indicated that community input will be a key factor in any forthcoming adjustments.
Local officials encourage parents to submit written comments through the ACPS website and attend the upcoming school board meeting scheduled for next Thursday. “Our goal is to ensure every child can get to school safely without placing undue strain on the district’s resources,” the board member emphasized.
What parents can do now
- Review the current walk‑zone maps posted on the ACPS website.
- Consider carpooling with trusted neighbors until a permanent solution is approved.
- Report any safety hazards at the Mount Vernon Avenue and Glebe Road intersection to the city’s traffic engineering department.
- Participate in the public comment period before the board’s final decision.
As the district works toward a resolution, the immediate priority remains the safety of Alexandria’s youngest learners while the board navigates budget realities and a competitive labor market for bus drivers.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
