I am a parent of an East Hamilton High School student, who came home today to inform me that they are having to pay $80 for parking tags.
I contacted a teacher who teaches at Brainerd and asked what do they pay for parking. As it turns out they only pay $40. So we have a difference of $40. Why is that?
I have called the school board and was told that someone would have to call me back. Still no call back.
I find it hard to believe that the little hang tag they are given to display is worth $80. And last time I checked the county has paid for the property already and the cost of construction of the school and parking places. So where does this fee fit in? And why are the fees different at different schools?
Is there a belief that students at East Hamilton can afford more then someone who attends Brainerd, because I would consider that very close to making assumptions that would be incorrect.
If someone from the school board reads this, please explain it. It would be interesting to know what the fees are at all schools in the county. So much for free public education.
Colby Macris
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I would be curious about what the answer was from the School Board. My kids go to Ooltewah and they pay $60.
Maybe if you go to school at a later time, you pay less for the parking fee.
Eddie Griffith
Ooltewah
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At East Ridge High School they are $65, but there is an incentive if your child has good grades the cost is discounted. That is a good way to maintain and keep cost down, but my only concern is where does this money go? Our parking lot is in such bad shape you would think that money could be used to do some repair work or at least line the spaces so you can see the number your parking in.
Kim Hamill
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The school that starts late is Howard. I believe the school with the cheaper parking is Brainerd High. My son is a student there and, for your information, they start at 7:15 a.m. like most of the other high schools in the county.
Don't assume that just because Brainerd High School has a majority of African-American students that they don't start at the same time.
And, for the record, my son is one of the many white students there and he likes Brainerd High just fine - starting time of 7:15 a.m. and all.
George Merriman
Foxwood Heights