Imagine driving to school one morning but stopping just short of that iconic and majestic “Northwood High School” sign. You’ve made it this far, you think to yourself, and you spin your wheels into the nearby Bojangles’ parking lot to reward yourself with one of those classic Bo-Berry Biscuits. But those few extra minutes devouring man’s finest culinary creation will risk more than your well-toned abs. When you pull into the school’s parking lot, your observation takes your breath away. Someone else’s car is nestled in your parking spot. YOUR spot! How dare they? Not even Bo-Berry can remove the sharp twinge of betrayal deep in your gut. Unfortunately, scores of Northwood students have been unwittingly placed in a situation like this. The Omniscient’s editorial board recently brainstormed a solution. Drumroll, please! Assigned parking spaces.
Posting a number for each slot in the school’s lot would not just make mornings carefree for kids who can’t start school without breakfast. Administrators seem eager to ensure that all students who park at school have a valid pass. They also want students to follow protocol relating to safe driving and reputable in-car conduct. Numbered parking spaces would simplify that job and improve student safety. At the beginning of the school year, each student awarded a parking pass would be assigned to a designated parking lot, similar to how the system works currently. However, under the new system, students would also be the proud owners of a specific parking space characterized by a number. The risk of fender-benders could be lowered, because late students would not feel a chaotic rush to “find” their parking spot. It would already be there, mapped out and waiting for them. Some students at nearby schools such as Overhills High School even express their personalities by painting the pavement of their parking spaces.
Administrators can also use the numbered spaces to keep track of students who repeatedly break parking regulations, including sitting in their parked cars instead of walking directly into the school building. There is also less of a likelihood that students will abuse their pass by copying it and distributing it to others or trying to transfer it to unauthorized cars. The parking spaces will clearly be “one per person,” and administrators, as well as students, will enjoy more control and less hectic mornings and afternoons.
If there is one topic The Omniscient has mentioned the most in the past few years, it has been student parking on school grounds, and if our cries are getting tiring, we sincerely apologize. Parking may not seem like an incredibly hot-button issue, but students need safe and efficient parking in order to focus on their education. Numbered parking spots may not be the final answer, but the plan would be a valid first step to making the parking process less of a headache.