Fairfax County Public Schools began its new academic year with a notable change: the elimination of school crossing guards at high schools across the county, including those in the Hunter Mill District. This decision, part of the FY 2027 budget reductions, cut $1.89 million and 13 crossing guard positions from the Fairfax County Police Department. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who opposed the budget reduction, co-sponsored a motion at a recent board meeting to re-examine the crossing guard program.
The motion, also co-sponsored by Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity and Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, requests reports from police and schools on immediate concerns arising from the absence of high school crossing guards. It also directs police to provide a comprehensive review later this year on the use of contracted crossing guards, a pilot program that began last summer at elementary and middle schools. Supervisor Alcorn assured residents that crossing guards will remain at elementary and middle schools, potentially utilizing contractors.
In other board news, the Site-Specific Plan Amendment for the Lake Fairfax Business Center was approved, paving the way for a new residential mixed-use option for the 76-acre office park near the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station. The approved plan increases allowable intensity up to 1.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR), accommodating up to 1,250 residential units, including townhomes, stacked townhomes, and multifamily buildings. This development also recommends neighborhood-serving retail, public park space, and land reserved for a future public elementary school.
Additionally, the Board endorsed the installation of speed humps on John Milton Drive and Fairway Drive, following resident concerns and traffic studies that documented significant speeding. Residents in both neighborhoods voted to approve these measures. The Board also approved prohibiting truck cut-through traffic on Crowell and Browns Mill Roads and requested the Virginia Department of Transportation to review potential impacts on Buleah Road and Hunter Mill Road.
These actions reflect ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with community safety and development needs within Fairfax County.