They are struggling with related issues of increased security risk and truancy. Exterior doors remain unlocked throughout the day, and a security position has been eliminated. Inadequate routine maintenance and cleaning, poor ventilation and heating systems, and a lack of sufficient classroom space to implement active learning are frequently heard complaints. The suggestions are sent to the school council, overseen by the principal, and then sent to the school committee for final approval. In response to a concern expressed by the School Council, this year's edition includes a letter from the principal addressing recent trends in increased absenteeism and tardiness.
Students also have input on policy through their representatives to the school committee.
The restructuring of the school administration has had a positive effect on school climate. Four deans, each assigned to discipline one grade level, help ensure that student discipline is handled in a more timely and consistent manner. Although it is evident that both the principal and his assistant enjoy wide-spread respect and support, teachers express concerns that departmental isolation creates a barrier, and that formal input on recent changes in school policies, for example, tardy policy and scheduling, was insufficient. Multi-level and varied curricula offerings are evidence that the school culture encourages development of each individual's full potential. New district initiatives to develop partnership programs link both school to community and student to the world of work.