http://www.mlive.com/annarbor/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-0/119747437742610.xml&coll=2
Why aren't more of us aware of 'problems' at Pioneer High?
I'm a senior at Pioneer High School, and I attended the Nov. 28 Ann Arbor School Board meeting to support my peers who spoke against the intentions to install 53 surveillance cameras in and around the Pioneer campus.
Most agree that achievement and maintenance of safety in public schools is of utmost importance; Pioneer High School should absolutely feel secure and protected. The conflict with the proposed implementation of cameras within the school and around Pioneer, then, arises from a combination of factors and causes.
First, many students and citizens are not aware of the "problems'' the cameras are intended to address. I don't deny that problems exist, but I'm rarely, if ever, conscious of serious behavioral or criminal concerns within the school. Many of my peers also feel in the dark regarding these problems, and thus opposed to seemingly radical solutions to issues we know nothing about.
As a student, I feel I have the right to know about major concerns and problems occurring in the establishment where I spend most of my time. Clearly, information needs to be available, and multiple options must be thoroughly evaluated. Cameras may in fact be the solution, but until students, parents, administration, the school board and citizens are aware of the problem, the community will not be able to come to a fair and effective solution.
Also, no concrete evidence is available to support that cameras would directly solve said "problems.'' The success of Huron's cameras apparently rests upon "anecdotal'' data, and few alternative (more efficient and cost effective) options have been considered or reviewed. It's possible that cameras could reduce theft or crime, but shouldn't we explore alternatives that allow students, staff, administration and the public to work actively and cooperatively to achieve a common goal?
A combination of these reasons makes many members of the Pioneer community more opposed to the seemingly reticent manner in which the school board decided on the cameras, than the actual cameras themselves. Lack of information, reporting and outside involvement make the proposal seem more like a decree than a cooperative dialogue. My class peers and fellow Ann Arbor citizens should have a chance to creatively brainstorm more cost efficient and less obtrusive methods to resolve the problems.
Principal Michael White has already significantly improved Pioneer's atmosphere; he announced recently that over 400 students earned all As first quarter, nearly a
200-student increase from last year. Since White assumed his position, there has been an overall positive reaction to his proactive programs and guidelines. With such encouraging effects in less than four months, there is every reason to believe that the school will continue to resolve its issues of theft and violence without the addition of cameras.
Additional discussion between multiple groups at Pioneer (students and administration) can ensure that this trend will continue to move forward.
Finally, I'd like to point out that whether or not you agree with the proposal, we should all be extremely proud of the students who spoke eloquently and intelligently at the board meeting on Nov. 28; Ann Arbor should be thrilled to boast such accomplished and confident young adults. I hope that the school board and administration will come to trust and value their student's input, and give us an opportunity to have a bigger role in future decisions regarding key matters of discussion and concern.
About the writer: Leigh Sugar, an Ann Arbor resident, is a senior at Pioneer High School and a student council class representative.
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