Last year, parking passes were given out to any student that submitted an application and submitted the required fee. No applications, no background check necessary. If you wanted a parking pass, you got one.

However, when new security specialist John Perry took over last school year, he heard many complaints about lack of parking availability.

“Sometimes I would circle the staff parking lot,” teacher Stacy Smale said, “and there weren’t any spots left. There were a few times that I had to drive across the street to park at Wiley.”

At first, Perry thought the problem was students parking without passes, however, after some investigation, he discovered that more parking passes were given out than parking spaces, which was a concern.

“I felt bad for the kids because they paid for a spot,” Perry said, “and there were no spots left to park.”

Although many students have been complaining about the new system, it works much better than it did in the past.

“Last year, too many passes were given out, so we had to make a change,” principal Thomas Lietz said. “I want all students to know that we are trying to be as fair as possible.”

For me, parking is now more organized and I find it easier to get a parking spot in general.

“We will be cracking down and students should always be aware of where they park.”

Perry will also be outside stickering cars, ensuring that people park in appropriate spaces.

I think that knowing where people park and keeping track of car numbers will help the staff stay organized and help identify people that parked in the wrong spots.

“I think the parking is way too strict this year,” senior Quinn Rylander said. “I think they need to give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to things like this.”

Many different people have different opinions on the current situation in the lots. Some students, especially juniors, may think the enforced rules are too strict.

However, in the long run, I think that organization and being picky about permits will help the administration and the students.

Tardies will also have an impact on the parking situation. Not only can passes be revoked from students with too many tardies, but many student drivers are seeing a decrease in tardies now that they can find a parking spot without any problems.

“Our goal is to make sure students come to school,” Lietz said. “If they come to school they will keep their passes.”
Staff is trying to motivate students to attend school.

“We are already seeing an increase in attendance,” Perry said. “Students are now aware that passes are not a guarantee and they are a privilege.”

According to MyParkSign.com, 1 in 5 motor vehicle accidents happen in parking lots. A more organized parking lot can make it easier to get in and out, and reduce the chances of accidents occuring.