Lynnfield schools to address parking concerns

LYNNFIELD – Overcrowding is a growing issue for high schools across the state. In Lynnfield, however, their problem is the parking lot.As enrollment figures increase each year, so does the number of students driving themselves to school. But, unlike squeezing a few more chairs into a classroom, space on the pavement is limited.There are about 132-140 spots reserved for student parking, according to Lynnfield High School Principal Bob Cleary.”In the beginning of the year, it’s ok,” he said. “But each year, the (problem) moves closer to the start of the school year.”He said that three years ago, the parking lot started to get crowded around April or May, when more kids have their license. Last year, crowding began in March. He and his staff anticipate that this year, February will be the month when students vie for a spot.To help limit crowding, the idea of issuing parking passes was raised. Only those students with an official pass would be allowed to park on school property. Cleary said the plan is at a very early stage, but they’re hoping to have a solution by the end of next week.He presented the pilot program before the School Committee two weeks ago and together, they have been exploring options to ease the parking process. One option is to expand the parking lot, which Cleary would prefer, although he admits it’s not likely at this time. Another would be to issue the passes on an eligibility basis, such as seniors only.Whatever they decide will have to be approved by the School Committee and placed in the student handbook. And as school started Wednesday, Cleary said the sooner the better.If they do establish a pass program, Cleary said it would be at no charge to the students for now.”We’d like to try to implement it this year especially where there’s no fee,” he said. “We’d like to see how it works and try to alleviate some of the problems.”Cleary said there should be a definitive answer at the next School Committee meeting.