During the first week of school, several seniors were disappointed as they were “greeted” by a closed South Gate of the Eureka High School parking lot. Not only did it make seniors late to class, but seniors who left early encountered the same issue.

When speaking with Sophomore Class Assistant Principal Dr. David Arledge, the reasons for the South Gate regularly closing from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. were shared.

“[The South Gate] prevents more traffic from coming in and prevents multiple entrances and exits for the parking lot so the attendant can actually see who’s arriving and who’s leaving,” Dr. Arledge said.

Despite the administration’s improvements, ranging from a constant patrolling traffic attendant to the repositioning of security cameras, Dr. Arledge said he “didn’t really know much” regarding the senior incentive issue, and that it seemed to have just “worked itself out.” The Bugle asked the administration what other improvements Eureka should be expecting in the parking lot.

“I want to get it painted, I want the stripes repainted, I want the numbers repainted,” Dr. Arledge said. “[The parking lot] is one of the first things people see coming down 109. The front of the building looks great, but then you take a look at the parking lot and right now you can barely see some of the lines or numbers.” 

The motivation behind the parking lot’s improvements isn’t just for aesthetics. Having new lines, lanes, traffic directions, etc., helps regulate the flow of traffic and the safety of the students and staff.

“Staying vigilant and maintaining that security for the kids and staff at school is important because when you feel safe in a place, you do a lot better,” Dr. Arledge said.