CENTRAL PARKING PASSES SHOULD IMPROVE SECURITY

A new system for issuing and attaching parking passes will improve security at Cape Girardeau Central High School.

Student drivers who purchased parking permits this year were issued stickers to place in their rear windows. Assistant principal Mark Ruark said security problems with the old system were the reason for the changeover.

The Student Senate implemented a hang tag parking permit system three years ago for the student parking lot. Only juniors and seniors were eligible to purchase the tags for $5 per year or $3 per semester.

Purchasing the hang tags made the parking lot accessible to drivers but didn't necessarily guarantee them a parking spot. Some 500 students become drivers each year, but the parking lot has only 230 spaces.

"Just because you have a parking permit doesn't necessarily guarantee you a parking spot," said Ruark. "It just means you have a right to park on campus."

Theft of parking permits was a major problem when the hang tag system was in place because the hang tags were easier to steal, said Ruark. Some upperclassmen were also abusing their privileges by purchasing hang tags for sophomore drivers, reporting the tags lost or stolen, and purchasing other tags for themselves.

"This kind of settles that matter," he said.

The sticker system is one of several security improvements being made in Cape Girardeau schools. A committee of representatives from area public schools and law enforcement agencies began developing an emergency response plan last spring to improve safety and security in schools. Cape Girardeau schools resource officer Cpl. Barry Hovis and Ruark chaired the committee.

The panel developed a comprehensive list of security and emergency recommendations that were presented to the Cape Girardeau Board of Education in August.