Removal of South Lakes High School crossing guardraises major concerns

By Ava-Grace Satterfield, Staff Writer

At the South Lakes Drive intersection across from the high school, vehicles continue to pass as student pedestrians attempt to cross. Photo courtesy of Melanie Meren

A car struck a South Lakes High School student crossing South Lakes Drive on the morning of Sept. 1, causing minor injuries. The accident occurred near an intersection where a school crossing guard had formerly directed traffic.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors eliminated funding for 10 high school crossing guards during the spring budget process, with the changes taking effect at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year. The county began discussing the guards’ removal in 2024.

At South Lakes, crossing guards helped protect students, buses and drivers at the intersection of South Lakes Drive, Tanbark Road and Seahawks Drive. Without them, the congested intersection has become a “nightmare” for student pedestrians, according to Reston Association Board President Travis Johnson.

South Lakes student Vivian Smozynski witnessed the dangers during her first week of school. “With the main road not having any stop signs, people turning all ways, and a crosswalk connecting the nearby neighborhood and public bus stop to the school, it’s a recipe for disaster,” she said.

In response to the accident, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors temporarily restored crossing guards at all 10 high schools while safety assessments continue. On Sept. 15, the board will vote on how to spend its remaining funds from the previous fiscal year. One option is to permanently restore funding for the guards. According to county evaluations, the board would need to allocate $900,000 to do so.

Hunter Mill District Representative Melanie Meren, an advocate for student safety, encourages FCPS students and community members to attend the Sept. 15 public budget hearing and urge the county to provide permanent funding for high school crossing guards.