WHRHS to Test First-Come Parking

A new senior parking program will be in place at Watchung Hills Regional High School this fall.

The board of education Monday night debated the merits of a pilot program that will eliminate the lottery system currently in place before agreeing to test the program this fall, despite the objections of two board members.

Vice Principal Terry MacConnell explained that the lottery system has been in place since at least 2006. Parking is currently available for 300 vehicles on the pavement; two additional gravel lots serve as secondary lots.

The lottery system, MacConnell said, is “as random as you can get. It’s just pot luck.” During the first three weeks of each year, before the lottery system is put in force, seniors park on a first-come, first-served basis, with few gravel spots utilized.

The pilot program would eliminate the need for a lottery. “We believe this is worth a shot,” MacConnell said.

Under the proposed system, seniors would still need to register their vehicles and would receive a sticker for the back of their cars. Parking would be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The system, he noted, should cut down on seniors coming late to school, since they would no longer have a reserved spot.

The 2011-2012 school year is a good time to try the system, MacConnell explained, since there will only be 470 seniors as compared to 530 in the 2010-2011 school year.

Of that number, it's estimated that 90 would be ineligible for senior parking due to disciplinary measures or earning points for being late to school. In addition, last year 20 percent of the seniors never applied for parking.

“There is the possibility that most seniors will be able to park on the pavement,” MacConnell said.

Board member Gerry Binder of Green Brook expressed doubt as to the effectiveness of such a program.

“It's a bias for kids close to campus. Something about it doesn’t really appeal to me—I’m afraid the solution is no better than the problem,” he said.

He also said that he would like to look into options for additional parking and would like to ask students for their input.

“Basically, I don’t like the idea.”

Board Vice President Harold Grossnickle also declined to support the program.

Board member Paul Seelig, of Watchung, who supported a two-month trial of the pilot program, added, “Parking is a privilege; it’s not a right. I don’t think we should be looking to expand parking. In fact, maybe we should take back the gravel.”

Robert Horowitz, board president, asked the administration to get back to the board after the first two months of the school year with a report on how the program is working.

Board member Lisa deMizio added, “After all, it would be a pilot program. The students might decide themselves that it’s better.”