From the 2021-2022 to the 2024-2025 school years, parking pass fees have remained at $50, whether paid at registration or in person at the school. However, for the upcoming year, the fee has increased to $75 per person.
Every day, students struggle to find a parking spot because half of the lot is under construction. With the parking lot in such poor condition, many question whether it’s worth paying $75 for a pass that doesn’t even guarantee a space.
“I don’t think the parking pass price is fair because it’s been the same for a long time, even though everything else has gone up,” junior Mathew Halcom said. “Some students can’t afford it and have to walk or find a ride, which isn’t always easy. Even though it’s just a one-time fee each year, $75 is a lot of money for a lot of students.”
Some students are upset because they don’t have jobs to help pay for parking passes, and the price went up. However, others think that the extra money could be used to fix and improve the parking lot. On the other hand, some students say they haven’t seen any improvements despite the higher costs.
“Being a senior and having to pay $75 my last year to park isn’t fair. I believe seniors shouldn’t have to pay the full amount because it’s our last year here. Plus, it doesn’t make sense to charge us more when half the parking lot is closed anyway,” said senior Madison Kropidlowski. She also added, “I get to school on time, but I still end up with no parking spot.”
Even though these problems exist, school administrators say that raising the parking fees is part of a long-term plan to fix and improve the parking lot. They think that spending money on the parking lot will result in better roads and more spots in the future. But a lot of students still feel that parking is hard and unfair right now, especially for student athletes who need to get in and out quickly.
“Getting to school on time is already stressful and as a student athlete, I have to be at school early in the morning and stay late after practices and games,” senior swim captain Taylor Thomas said. “Parking should be more accessible since I’m expected to be here at certain times every day, but it’s often difficult to find a spot and get in and out quickly.”
With rising parking fees and limited space, students are left wondering whether the cost of convenience is worth it. Until construction is finished and parking improves, the debate overpaying to park isn’t going away anytime soon.
