This year was considered a trial year for many facets to RMHS such as flex block, office hours, and parking passes. As most people may have heard by now, parking passes have been an extreme controversy at RMHS. The debate over whether a lottery for all or doling them out strictly to seniors should ensue began. Some students were outraged by this and some could care less.
As one junior Julia said, “These new parking passes are outrageous, don't fix something that's not broken- we didn't have a problem before, don't change it now. First come first serve, if you want a spot come early.” Most students had a similar idea and they wanted it this way, but Mr. McSweeney brought up a good point- there are about 380 students who applied for parking pass and a total of 240 total spots. They gave out more passes than there are spots, which already creates a problem. Mr. McSweeney was aware of the number of upcoming juniors and seniors, and didn't want to cause fighting and hostility, which in the long run was helpful.
Another point of frustration was that some people applied and received a pass without having their license. Mr.
McSweeney said he realized and is currently working on fixing this by possibly adding more passes with new restrictions. He added that he has found many areas to improve on in years to come. He plans to have people check off whether they have their license or their permit to reduce students’ aggravation.
Another junior Tom said “I think seniors deserve dibs, but it's ridiculous they gave it to juniors and then took them back.” Mr. McSweeney was upset upon hearing this, as he knew that there were mistakes and was planning on fixing it. But, some antsy students went early and received them before the passes were supposed to be given out. It was no one's fault, and a miscommunication on everyone's part.
Another junior with a permit believes that if you have a permit there is no need for you to have a parking pass. She thinks that if you have a license you one, and later on in the year when you get your license then you can put in a request for a parking pass. This was most rational and something everyone can agree with this.
Lastly, a junior Caitlin said that she had her license but didn't get a pass and wanted to know how Mr. McSweeney came up with the idea of a lottery. He said that most schools, especially large campus’ with limited parking, use the lottery method. I too was a bit frustrated by this whole dilemma and dislike parking on the street, but I feel that there are larger things to worry about than the place that you park.