BY JANE McINNIS
In an open conversation about off-campus lunch privileges for seniors at San Ramon Valley High, an item that was "off the table" soon became the main topic of discussion for those in attendance: junior privileges.
Over 50 parents, students and downtown merchants attended the forum organized by school administration to discuss the question of seniors eating lunch off-campus next school year.
There was no debate about it: at the beginning of the forum, community relations director Terry Koehne asked for a show of hands for those in favor of the privilege. All raised their hands in favor of the rite-of-passage.
"San Ramon High is in a unique position to feel the love from the community," said Didi Justin-Reed, a SRVHS parent and owner of the Sweet Street candy store downtown.
San Ramon Valley High is located in the heart of Danville, just blocks from downtown. Up until this year, juniors and seniors enjoyed the option of eating lunch off-campus.
[Related: Upperclassmen Start Petition to Eat Lunch Off-Campus.]
A decision to reserve the privilege for only seniors was made this year by administration for safety reasons, "not punishment," emphasized Principal Ruth Steele.
This decision was met with strong disagreement at the forum among the community.
Parents in attendance agreed permission slips would be a good measure for safety, as well as students being permitted to walk off-campus rather than drive. Some expressed their belief that the privilege fosters their children's involvement and presence in the community.
"We want to encourage students to shop, eat and play Danville," said Shelby McNamara, president of the town's chambers of commerce.
Some students said juniors not being included in the deal felt like "another tradition being taken away." Parents brought up that school spirit was at stake.
"It impacts student morale more than some folks sitting in an office can appreciate," one parent said.
Attendees brought up the issue of the school not having enough seating or food to accommodate students, as well as long lines in the cafeteria at lunch time.
"You have to give up your entire break to get a cinnamon roll," said Daniel Boatwright, a high school senior.
Boatwright read an excerpt from a California education code about schools being unliable for students eating lunch off-campus.
"The governing board of a school district may permit the pupils enrolled at any high school to leave the school grounds during the lunch period," the code reads (section 44808.5). "Nether the school district nor any ... employee thereof shall be liable for the conduct or safety of any pupil during such time."
Principal Steele agreed to form a subcommittee to re-evaluate and work toward potentially giving privileges back to high school juniors.
"I hope it's not a stalling technique," said Boatwright, who is actively seeking a date to be set for further evaluation the issue of junior privileges.
See a previous Patch article about the subject here.
Do you think administration should work toward reinstating the privilege for juniors? Vote here.
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