Reston, Virginia – On Wednesday, Fairfax County reinstated crossing guards at multiple high schools after a 16‑year‑old student was struck by a vehicle during the morning drop‑off at South Lakes High School. The decision came just one day after the county Board of Supervisors approved emergency funding during a regularly scheduled budget committee meeting.
Background and budget cut
Earlier this year, Fairfax County eliminated crossing guards at its high schools as part of a $1.9 million cost‑saving measure. While the program remained in place at elementary and middle schools, officials justified the cuts by relying on student‑behavior data rather than traffic‑flow analysis. The move sparked immediate concern from parents, school administrators, and local law‑enforcement officials who warned that the absence of crossing guards could endanger children during the busy morning and afternoon traffic periods.
Accident prompts swift action
On Tuesday morning, a 16‑year‑old student was hit by a car while walking to his vehicle at South Lakes High School. The student was taken to a local hospital and is reported to be recovering. The driver now faces criminal charges. One parent, longtime Reston resident David Michaelson, called the incident “100 % preventable” and noted that the stretch of South Lakes Drive and Seahawks Drive had seen no accidents in the previous 21 years during pick‑up and drop‑off times.
Board of Supervisors responds
In response to the accident and mounting community pressure, the Board of Supervisors voted to restore crossing guards at the following high schools: South Lakes, Westfield, and two additional campuses identified as high‑risk intersections. Supervisor Jane Thomas, who chaired the budget committee, said the funding is a “temporary fix” while the county conducts a comprehensive safety review. “Our first priority is the safety of our children,” Thomas said. “We will work with law‑enforcement and traffic engineers to determine which locations truly need permanent crossing‑guard coverage based on traffic patterns and accident data.”
Community reaction
Parents expressed relief at the swift reinstatement. Kristi Hampton, mother of a South Lakes student, said, “I’m happy to see this. I think all the children were in grave danger when we had no crossing guard for several days.” School officials also welcomed the decision, noting that the presence of crossing guards not only protects students but also eases traffic flow for parents and staff.
Looking ahead
The county has pledged to complete a detailed safety assessment within the next 60 days. The review will examine traffic volumes, accident histories, and pedestrian‑movement patterns to determine which high schools merit permanent crossing‑guard assignments. In the meantime, the restored guards will operate on a temporary schedule, with the county exploring additional funding options to avoid future cuts.
What this means for families
For Fairfax County families, the reinstatement provides immediate peace of mind during the critical morning and afternoon school‑run windows. It also underscores the importance of community advocacy; parental voices and local media coverage played a decisive role in prompting the Board’s rapid response. As the county finalizes its safety study, parents are encouraged to stay engaged, attend upcoming public‑safety meetings, and continue to share observations about traffic conditions around their schools.
Fairfax County officials reaffirm their commitment to protecting children’s safety on school grounds, aligning with broader community values that prioritize family well‑being and responsible local governance.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
