PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- James Willis, Superintendent of Peekskill Schools, said he isn't quite sure what all the hoopla is about concerning the closed-campus policy at Peekskill High School.
After all, Willis said the policy, which prevents students from leaving school grounds during school hours, has been part of the district's code of conduct for about 20 years. It was just never actively enforced.
"Most districts have closed their campuses," said Willis, who joined Peekskill in July. "We need to be pro-active. We should never be reactive to student's safety. It's about our children not leaving a safe and secure environment."
Willis has proposed, starting in February, preventing all 860 students at the high school from leaving campus. Currently, only seniors in "good standing" are permitted to exit for lunch. He estimated about 50 of the 200 seniors take advantage of that privilege.
More than 100 students and parents voiced their displeasure to Willis' proposal at a meeting last week, arguing students should not be treated like "caged creatures," as one speaker remarked.
Willis said he encourages students to go outside during their lunch break but they should remain on school grounds. His suggestion to possibly have a fence erected on the campus was quickly denounced by board members, who said it sent the wrong message to the community.
The Peekskill Board of Education will discuss the closed-campus policy again at its Nov. 1 meeting.
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