SANTA PAULA : Board Toughens Off-Campus Rules
The governing board of Santa Paula Union High School has voted to adopt a modified closed campus.
Starting next semester, only seniors and juniors may leave school during the day and only if they maintain “C” averages, have no more than six periods of unexcused absence and have written parental permission, Principal Robert Fisher said.
Students will lose their off-campus privileges if they are late to their after-lunch classes more than three times, he added.
“I think it’s what the community has been looking at for some time. The police are very supportive of the decision,” Fisher said. “I feel more comfortable being able to regulate non-students coming on campus. And this way our kids won’t be sitting in people’s yards, being a negative influence in the neighborhood. They also won’t be at risk to any dangers.”
Fences will be built at a cost of $1,000 to enclose most of the campus. The remaining entrance will be guarded by campus security.
“The kids aren’t happy about any change, but they’ll adapt well,” Fisher said. “They’re good kids. Besides, they can earn their way off. This can be a real positive thing.”
Students graduating in June will be exempt from the new policy.
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