Editorial: Closed campuses the right decision

Friday, May 17, 2002 | 9:40 a.m.

In response to last week's lunch-time car crash, in which two high school students were killed and three were seriously injured when their speeding car hit a light pole, three more high schools will have closed campuses when the 2002-03 school year begins in August. That means of the 30 public high schools in Clark County, only six will allow students to leave campus during lunch -- Community College High and five rural high schools.

The Clark County School District's decision to prevent students from leaving campus during the day is a sound one. When children are in school, teachers and administrators assume the role of parents and are responsible for the students' safety and well-being. In light of the fact that students have just 30 minutes for lunch break, they may rush to and from fast-food restaurants, a situation that can result in students putting themselves and others in danger if they drive too fast.

High schools will have to adjust to all the new meals they'll be required to serve under the new plan, which means finding more seating areas and possibly hiring additional staff and equipment. The school district already is facing budget cuts, but administrators are hopeful that the extra money the schools will bring in from serving on-campus meals to the students will offset any extra costs. Some students may not like the restrictions, but they're in school to get an education -- driving around during the middle of the day with their friends isn't part of the curriculum.

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