To the editor:

Recently my wife and I attended the Free State High School orientation. The “open lunch” topic came up. Open lunch is a period of time in which students may leave the building on their own. The school official speaking stated that he is not a fan of this and would end it if he were able to. I agree with this viewpoint and I suspect other parents and school officials may, as well.

Parents need to be the ones with the authority to make these decisions. This is an issue of safety. It does affect every person in the school building as multiple entries/exits are used and there is little to no adult supervision during this time, at all exits.

It is quite troubling to learn that the school board is making this decision while school officials disagree and parents may or may not disagree. Perhaps there are things involved in this situation that I do not know about, as this is our first freshman entering next year. But based on the information I have currently, I’m not satisfied with the safety of this high school. I hope there is a way to allow parents and school officials to tell the school board what they want, and not the other way around.

I want to be sure to mention that this was a positive and informing event and we appreciate all of those working hard for students, families and the USA!

Shawn Hough,

Lawrence