On Oct. 27, Bonita Vista High (BVH) teachers discussed the disturbances regarding the placement of lunch tables throughout the campus. BVH World Geography and Diploma Programme Core teacher, Cody Betts is one of multiple teachers who have faced issues with the table placements. Out of the three tables in the 300’s hall, one of them is placed outside Betts’ classroom. He explains why teachers see these tables as disruptive.
“The tables are not the problem, but when they are moved into the hallways, I notice they do cause issues. With the tables located under the awnings, the sounds from students sitting at those tables can echo and cause a disturbance in classrooms. [However,] when they’re out on the blacktop, it does not cause any issues,” Betts said.
Teachers like Betts use these tables for student activities such as independent working time, or projects. Betts believes that these tables can be beneficial to students and teachers if they are used appropriately. However, this viewpoint is not unanimous as teachers have different beliefs when it comes to the table’ placements. BVH Principal Lee Romero explains that a decision for these tables cannot be made as of currently.
“Some teachers want the lunch tables moved away from the classrooms, but other teachers like [the tables] near their rooms, because they use them as study areas for students. So, it has been an issue, but we do not have a solid answer because half the teachers like [the tables], and the other half do not like them,” Romero said.
To decide the fate of the tables, the administration would have to poll all the teachers, sorting the teachers by which wing of the school they are in. Romero also shares that teachers in the same building would have to unanimously agree to either keep the tables away from the classrooms or leave them by the classrooms, free to be moved when needed. There are other reasons for complaints, as can cause problems for staff members’ vehicles on campus.
“If the tables are located directly in the middle of the pathway, [their placement] can cause an issue. [The 300’s] hallway has a disability parking space, which is necessary to serve our faculty and staff on campus effectively. There are times when the tables have been placed in such a way that trucks, or vans could not [access the parking space],” Betts said.
Littering is another reason why teachers have been complaining about the lunch tables. Throughout the whole campus, they have noticed that students tend to leave their trash at the table they sit at, or throw their trash on the ground. With no trash can nearby for students to put away their trash in, students have been relocating the tables. Betts acknowledges this issue and describes the trend she has noticed.
“I do not believe students want to [litter]. Unfortunately, if there are no trash cans available, that creates a system where people make the illogical choice in their mind, to leave their trash at the table. [Around the 300’s hallway], you see trash bags at the corner of the building, that is where a table was located this morning. Yesterday, that table was on the blacktop, but this morning it was back under the hallway,” Betts said.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Coordinator Jared Phelps finds that problem solving the table issues are not easy. This is because staff members and students’ opinions are something that the administration has to keep in mind, and decisions can lead to unfavorable solutions.
“In an ideal world, [the campus] could have places to mount tables and trash cans but also have the ability to move these tables to accommodate staff. But then we start to question if [the solution] is reasonable, if there are better solutions, or how much effort would be needed to fix this issue,” Phelps said.
However, the administration has one possible solution to bolt lunch tables into the ground. Romero explains that even though the tables would not be able to move when bolted, this solution may not be permanent.
“[The problem] is a fluid issue because some kids are nice, and there may be one or two kids who are being jerks. Sometimes when you take care of one or two people, it’s not a problem. If students could act appropriately at these tables, then there would not be an issue. There is only a small group of students that [the administration] has a problem with.” Romero said.
However, this problem is not one that can be solved in an instant. Romero explained that in order to carry out this solution, a work order would have to be put in, which would take up to months for the maintenance crew to begin bolting the tables to the ground. Romero expresses his disappointment in the state that these tables are in due to students’ actions. He hopes that students will make the right decision to not cause trouble at these tables.
“I would rather buy tables and have more tables out [on campus], because it is nice for students to have the space to sit wherever they want. With that being said, it would depend on how the students take care of their trash and their surroundings and being responsible,” Romero said.
