Open Lunch Policy

Words: 513
Pages: 3

Ensuring student safety while maintaining operational efficiency poses a significant challenge for school leaders, as demonstrated by the scenario at Oak Creek High School. The debate over whether to maintain or close the open lunch policy involves weighing concerns over liability, student safety, business interests, fairness, and student rights. This essay examines these complex issues and explores potential compromise solutions.

Superintendent’s Concern over Liability: The superintendent’s concern over liability is justified considering the potential risks associated with open lunch policies. The data presented regarding automobile accidents, substance abuse, gang activity, and rumors of sexual activity during lunch hours highlight the tangible safety hazards that students face when off-campus without supervision.

Balancing Business and
…show more content…
While students have certain rights, such as freedom of movement, these rights are not absolute and must be balanced with the school’s obligation to provide a safe environment for learning.

Liability and Foreseeability: If the school maintains the open lunch policy and a student is badly injured, both the school and the school leader could face expanded liability due to foreseeability. By acknowledging the known risks associated with open lunch and failing to take appropriate action to mitigate those risks, the school and its leaders could be held accountable for their negligence.

Compromise Position: A potential compromise position could involve implementing stricter supervision or safety measures during open lunch periods. For example, the school could designate specific off-campus lunch areas with supervision, provide transportation to nearby restaurants, or implement safety education programs to mitigate risks associated with off-campus