(November 29, 2000) -- The gates constructed around the campus in late October have received a mixed response from both students and administration.  Senior Diana Kang said, “Personally I don’t like the fact that they’re building gates.  It shows a lack of trust in the students by the administration.”

Vice principal Joan Shoff said, “The intent is never to keep students in because students will always be able to find a way out. Gates are for the safety of those on campus.”
The installation of gates was built into the construction plans and is part of the recent renovations. The money spent was included in the school budget.  “These fences were designed as part of the architects’ plan before we even opened,” Shoff said.

According to principal Doug Dall and Shoff, the gates have always been in the master plan for the school.  However, they have only been implemented this October.

Shoff said that it is the common for schools to have gates and, until recently, Clark was one of the few schools in the district that did not have them.

Vic Pallos, coordinator for  public Iniormation and partnerships, said thatgates were installed on school campuses to maintain safety of students in the school. There are 30 schools in the school district, of which five are high schools.  According to Pallos, “Fences are part of a larger program” to provide safety for students.

Pallos acknowledged the controversy that construction of the gates has brought along with it.  He also said he recognizes that both sides of the issue must be considered.

This being a controversial issue, students have varying viewpoints.  Junior Jane Park said, “What are we? Animals caged in a zoo, for others to come and watch us?”

On the other hand, some students said they have no problem with the gates.  Sophomore Sevana Hagdadian said, “I think they’re doing this for safety reasons and it’s for a safer learning environment.  Personally I don’t mind the gates.”

As to whether or not the gates are ever going to be locked, Dall said, “I don’t know exactly when the gates will be done, but because the gates have not yet been completely installed, the gates will be locked when they are finished.”

Shoff said, “The problem is we are living in a day and age where school districts have to look at protecting everybody. It’s sad, but it’s what they have to do.”

Like Shoff, Pallos remarked, “I think really in a general way, we don’t like to have fences, but at the same time, we don’t have control of what goes on beyond the school campus.”