The Case for Closed Campuses During Lunch: Ensuring Safety and Focused Education

As your candidate for Jackson County Commissioner, I am committed to working closely with our schools to create a safer, more focused educational environment for our children. Having grown up in Southeast Ohio and attended high school in Southern Oregon, I have experienced firsthand both the problems associated with open campuses and the benefits of structured, closed-campus policies.

In Southeast Ohio, juniors and younger students ate nutritious meals on campus, while only seniors with licenses could leave for lunch under strict guidelines. This approach kept us safe, well-fed, and focused on our education. In contrast, my high school in Southern Oregon had an open campus, which introduced various challenges such as safety risks and inconsistent nutritional options.

If elected as your Commissioner, I will implement a strategy that combines the best practices from both experiences, ensuring every student has the best opportunity to succeed.

My Commitment to Our Schools

I believe that collaboration is key to making effective changes in our educational system. That's why I will work hand-in-hand with every school district and every school administrator. My presence will be felt regularly at every single school in the valley, with both scheduled and unscheduled visits to ensure a consistent and transparent partnership. This direct engagement will allow me to understand each school’s unique needs and challenges, making sure that our policies are tailored and effective.

Safety First

One of my primary concerns is the safety of our students. Allowing students to leave campus for lunch presents numerous risks. As new drivers, they navigate busy roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Keeping students on campus minimizes these risks and ensures they are supervised at all times. My regular visits to schools will include thorough reviews of safety protocols, making sure they are robust and consistently enforced.

Nutritional Equity

Ensuring that all students have access to balanced, nutritious meals is crucial. When students leave campus, there is no guarantee that they will choose healthy options. By keeping students on campus, we can provide meals that meet nutritional guidelines, promoting better health and academic performance. I will work with school administrators to continually improve the quality of school meals, ensuring they are both nutritious and appealing.

Maintaining an Educational Environment

Schools are primarily places of learning. Open campuses can lead to distractions and a loss of focus, as students might prioritize socializing over education. By keeping campuses closed during lunch, we create a more controlled environment that supports academic achievement. My regular presence will help reinforce the importance of education and provide opportunities to address any emerging issues promptly.

Structured Freedom for Seniors

While I advocate for closed campuses, I understand the importance of gradually introducing students to greater responsibilities. Therefore, I support allowing seniors the privilege to leave campus for lunch, but only under strict guidelines. These guidelines will ensure compliance with new driver restrictions and promote responsible behavior. By working directly with school administrators, I will ensure these policies are effectively implemented and monitored.

Addressing Counterarguments

Some may argue that open campuses promote freedom and independence. However, the primary role of schools is to provide a safe, structured learning environment. By focusing on safety and education, we prepare our students for future independence in a controlled manner. My direct involvement with schools will help balance these needs, ensuring that our policies are both practical and beneficial.

Conclusion

As your Commissioner, my goal is to create a safer, more equitable, and academically focused environment for our students. By implementing closed campuses during lunch and maintaining a close partnership with school districts and administrators, we can achieve this vision together.

I urge you to support my candidacy and join me in prioritizing the well-being and success of our children. With your vote, you will see a Commissioner who is present, engaged, and dedicated to making our schools the best they can be.

Thank you for your support. Let's work together to ensure a brighter future for our community.

Published by Killian Yates