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Morning Notes

Published February 10, 2023 at 7:30AM

The Potomac River at sunset (photo by Marjorie Copson)

ICYMI: Speed Camera Program Launches Today — Speed cameras will be installed near eight schools across Fairfax County today (Friday). For the first 30 days, drivers who go 10 mph or more over the speed limit will get a warning with no citation. After that, fines could go up to $100. [FFXnow]

How to Help Victims of Turkey Earthquake — “While our Fairfax County @VATF1 continues their efforts in #Türkiye, you may be wondering if there are ways we can help out. The Turkish Embassy is collecting donations now through Sunday!” Donations can be taken directly to the embassy in D.C., but there will also be a collection box in the Target lobby at the Mosaic District until Feb. 26. [Jeff McKay/Twitter, Dalia Palchik]

JUST IN: Fairfax County will launch speed camera pilot at eight schools Friday

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 9, 2023 at 4:50PM

A red light camera in the City of Fairfax (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County is adding speed cameras to monitor drivers around schools for the first time.

The photo speed-monitoring devices will be installed near eight schools across the county tomorrow (Friday) as part of a pilot program approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in December, the county announced today.

Herndon Middle School teacher pays off student meal debts, which have increased in FCPS

By Fatimah Waseem

Published February 9, 2023 at 4:15PM | Updated February 9, 2023 at 5:20PM

Herndon Middle School (via Google Maps)

At Herndon Middle School, a teacher has taken the issue of student meal debt in his own hands.

Science and special education teacher Gabe Segal has worked with other staff and nonprofit organizations to pay off more than $1,000 in student meal debts at the school.

FCPS leaders grapple with dramatic increase in school construction costs

By Vernon Miles

Published February 9, 2023 at 1:30PM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:37PM

Reston's Armstrong Elementary School is among the schools slated for renovation in the FY 2024-2028 capital improvements program (via FCPS)

Fairfax County Public Schools is spending what amounts to two full elementary school renovations per year on unexpected increases in construction costs.

Ahead of a school board meeting on the fiscal year 2024-2028 capital improvements program (CIP) tonight (Thursday), one of the major talking points has been the dramatic impact those increases in construction costs have had on the school system’s construction and renovation plans.

County board challenges FCPS over delay of cameras on school bus stop-arms

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 9, 2023 at 10:15AM

A Fairfax County Public Schools bus parked at Vienna Elementary School (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County officials have waited a decade now for public school buses to be outfitted with video cameras, and their patience is wearing thin.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion Tuesday (Feb. 7) asking Fairfax County Public Schools to explain why it has yet to implement a school bus stop-arm camera program that staff started exploring back in 2013.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published February 9, 2023 at 7:30AM

Construction continues on the Reston Row neighborhood in Reston Station (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Beware of Tax Scam — “Some residents may have received a ‘distraint warrant’ letter from the ‘Tax Assessment Securities.’ This scam alleges that a warrant has been issued against the recipient due to delinquent tax debt and states the Federal Tax Authorities may take enforcement action to satisfy the debt. Fairfax County did not send this letter and is not connected with it in any way.” [Department of Tax Administration]

Virginia Task Force 1 Lands in Turkey — “WHEELS DOWN: Two flights carrying @usaid search and rescue experts from @vatf1 @ffxfirerescue & @LACOFD just touched down in #Türkiye. Team members will soon be working to search for survivors of these deadly earthquakes.” [USAID/Twitter]

New regional housing plan pushes Fairfax County to lower income criteria for affordable housing

By Vernon Miles

Published February 8, 2023 at 3:15PM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:38PM

The nonprofit Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing has proposed two 20-story affordable housing buildings in Dominion Square West, seen from the northeast (via KGD Architecture/Fairfax County)

Fairfax County and several other localities have released a draft of the Regional Fair Housing Plan that not only provides some goals for housing, but comes with a look at specific zoning changes that can be made to help achieve those goals.

The plan was put together by a team of representatives from eight localities, including Fairfax County, and a few partner groups. A 60-day public comment period is scheduled to run through March 31, allowing locals to submit their thoughts on the plan.

Fairfax County School Board chair aims to succeed Braddock District rep, who won’t seek reelection

By Matt Blitz

Published February 8, 2023 at 9:30AM

School Board chair Rachna Sizemore Heizer (photo courtesy of Kyle the Girl Photography)

Fairfax County School Board member Megan McLaughlin will not be running for reelection in the Braddock District, as at-large member Rachna Sizemore Heizer sets her sights on the seat.

On Monday evening (Feb. 6), McLaughlin announced via a newsletter that she will officially “retire from this position” when her third term ends on Dec. 31, 2023.

Morning Notes

By FFXnow.com

Published February 8, 2023 at 7:30AM

Traffic in downtown Herndon (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Hybla Valley Murder Case Dismissed — Fairfax County General District Court Judge Vanessa Jordan dismissed a second-degree murder case yesterday (Tuesday). Court records don’t explain the dismissal, but the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office says it plans to ask a grand jury to indict Francisco Joel Juares, who was arrested in August for the fatal shooting of D’Mari Norris. [The Washington Post]

Six New Markers Recognizing Black History Planned — “Six Historical Markers were chosen from a field of 53 submissions to honor the Black/African American Experience in the county…The next step in the process will be working with staff and members of the History Commission to refine the language of the markers, work with a vendor to create the marker and plan installations” [Fairfax County]

NEW: Fairfax County sets date to end Covid pandemic state of emergency

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 7, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated February 8, 2023 at 11:20AM

The Fairfax County Government Center (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

(Updated at 11:20 a.m. on 2/8/2023) When March arrives, the COVID-19 pandemic will no longer be an officially declared emergency in Fairfax County.

After honoring individuals and organizations in the community who helped the county respond to the pandemic this weekend, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today (Tuesday) to terminate the local state of emergency declaration that has been in place since March 17, 2020.