Tom Arnold, the deputy executive for Fairfax County, Virginia, issued a recommendation on September 11, 2026 to restore funding for high school crossing guards and to introduce additional safety measures. The recommendation was detailed in a memo circulated to county officials on Friday, outlining the need to re‑establish financial support for crossing guard programs that serve high school students.
The memo specifies that the restored funding should cover the costs associated with staffing, training, and equipment for crossing guards positioned at high school entrances and surrounding roadways. It also calls for the implementation of supplemental safety actions, though the document does not list specific initiatives beyond the broader goal of enhancing student safety during daily commutes.
High school crossing guards play a direct role in protecting students who travel on foot to and from school campuses. By managing traffic flow and providing visible supervision at key crossing points, they help reduce the likelihood of accidents and improve overall roadway safety for young pedestrians. The deputy executive’s recommendation emphasizes that consistent funding is essential to maintain these protective services.
County leadership is expected to review the memo’s suggestions as part of its regular budgeting and public safety planning processes. Decision‑makers will weigh the proposed funding restoration against other fiscal priorities and may seek input from school administrators, transportation officials, and community members before finalizing any changes.
If adopted, the recommendation could lead to the reinstatement of crossing guard positions that were previously reduced or eliminated, as well as the introduction of new safety protocols aimed at safeguarding high school students across Fairfax County. The county’s next steps will likely involve a formal discussion of the memo’s proposals at an upcoming board meeting.
The deputy executive’s call for renewed investment underscores a broader focus on student safety and reflects ongoing attention to the transportation needs of Fairfax County’s high school population.