Locke High sees progress, but there’s still a long way to go

Mykel Polk, 16, and Areli Martinez, 18, practice a skateboard jump together during lunch on Saint Street, a road that cuts through the 25-acre campus. The school’s disjointed layout has made it hard over the years to keep the campus free of vandalism. It also made it easier for students to ditch classes. Charter-school operator Green Dot clamped down this year with a heavy security presence and strict rules, which limited student opportunities for blowing off steam during breaks. But Green Dot has loosened up a bit, allowing skateboarding, pickup soccer games and other activities in selected areas.