Seniors are restricted from parking their cars in the lower lot, a policy that many students believe creates unfair and unreasonable obstacles. Allowing seniors to park in the upper lot would be a beneficial change for the GOA community.
Since the beginning of the school year, there has been debate among the senior class about their inability to park in the upper lot with many seniors arguing that the restriction is unnecessary.
Senior Maya Suskauer said, “If there’s enough room in the upper lot, the seniors should be able to park there. There is no reason to prevent it.”
Principal Huseman said, “There simply are not enough spots in the parking lot to accommodate seniors.”
The primary concern for students however is the longer distance between the lower lot and main building.
Some students blame tardiness on this walk.
Senior Henry Sacks said, “If I accidentally leave my basketball shoes in my car, I’m late to practice because the walk to the lower lot is so long.”
Sophomore Logan Gladstone said, “I don’t think there is a problem with seniors parking in the upper lot, they should be able to share the lots and have a fair system regarding parking.”
At some other schools, it is common for seniors and faculty to share a parking lot.
Elli Ruderman, a junior at Montville High School, said, “Parking in the same lot as faculty makes getting to class so much easier.”
However here at GOA, faculty members prefer the upper lot remain restricted.
Mrs. Roney said, “It’s hard for the teachers to get a parking spot as it is now. If the seniors are given permission to park in the upper lot, it would only get more difficult.”
One potential solution could be designating a specific section of the upper lot for a rotating group of seniors. If this initial phase works and seniors can show they park responsibly, seniors should then be able to park in any open spot.
With clear guidelines, designated areas and a consensus between the seniors and faculty, seniors can be trusted to share a parking lot with the faculty.
