A few businesses, particularly, fast food operators, would also object. While their position may have some merit, the decision to close the campus must be based on what is in the best interests of all the students and the school. We are of the opinion that closing the campus would be in the best interests of all the students and would make sense for a number of reasons. Students who leave school during lunch have a short period of time in which to travel or walk, purchase or prepare food, consume it, and return to the school on time. Tardiness to classes after lunch is a problem.
Many students drive to various locations for their food.
They are invariably in a hurry to get where they are going and in a hurry to return to school. Speeding increases student exposure to accidents and injuries. The Police and Sheriff Departments report that the rate of calls from neighbors and businesses is highest when students are off campus during lunch. Vandalism, fights, drug transactions, alcohol and drug use, and even thefts have been reported during the lunch hour. The sheriff and police are invariably engaged in responding to calls dealing with students off grounds at the expense of others during the lunch period.