Another Check to Write Tuesday, October 11, 2011 By Senior Katelyn Reasoner [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising Back to School time usually means old friends, new classes, shopping lists, and much more. Little did the students and parents of Cameron High School know a new $20.00 dollar charge would be added to lists of checks to write. Students who wish to park in the parking lot of the school now have to pay to park for the year  or $10 for just second semester. This is the first year for the new charge and it has caused quite an uproar in the halls. However, it seems as though current and even future students will have to get used to it. Assistant Principal Scott Archibald was adamant that this new change isn’t going anywhere for a long time. “I think it’s a good deal for what we are looking to ultimately accomplish. It costs us every year to reseal that (parking lot) and repaint it. Another issue is we’re looking at trying to get some cameras out there for you guys,” said Mr. Archibald. Principal Don Gerber has his mind set on making the school a safer place for the vehicles of both students and teachers. The parking lot lines will be repainted, new cameras will be activated, and maybe even resurfacing of the entire parking lot will be on the schedule, thanks in large part to the new funds generated. Cameron High School has had problems with vandalism in the past and proper punishment could not be given simply because there was not enough evidence due to lack of cameras. Consider this a heads up to the culprits of vandalism! Students have complained that $20 is too much and that the student body should be offered something, like assigned parking, besides a nice parking lot. “I don’t think assigned parking will ever work out. What do we do if a kid parks in the wrong spot or if it snowed and they can’t find their spot? We are kind of land locked down there. I don’t think we can go any farther west or any farther north. We will have to find a different place if it does expand,” explained High School Principal Don Gerber. Some students understand that this may be necessary for future students and teachers. Senior Alanna Allen said, ”I think it is only fair to pay if we want to see who is hitting our cars or if anything is stolen, we will know this way.” Compared to other schools in the area, CHS isn’t completely out of the ordinary; Platte County High School charges $20 and Smithville charges $10 but additional cash fines are assessed for parking violations. Some may look at it as, what’s another $20 if it means a safer place for the students of Cameron,MO? Some may have their complaints. Either way it is looked at, it adds something new to talk about to Cameron High School...and eventually the parking lot.

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