William Tennant High School students demand better restroom access amid overcrowding concerns

Access to restrooms at William Tennant High School emerged as a pressing issue during the CSD School Board meeting on December 10, 2024. Senior Miana Yafa Kremen passionately addressed the board, highlighting the challenges students face due to limited restroom access during after-school activities.

Kremen pointed out that while the school has eight sets of restrooms, only one is available for use after 2:10 PM, creating significant inconvenience for students involved in sports and clubs. She emphasized that the lengthy trek across the building to reach the restroom can take up to ten minutes, cutting into valuable time for students with after-school jobs or commitments. "Students should have the ability to go to the restroom whenever they need to," she asserted, advocating for more accessible facilities.

The discussion prompted board members to acknowledge the overcrowding issues in the existing restrooms, particularly for female athletes who often find themselves changing in cars due to inadequate facilities. Board member Dr. Manning committed to investigating the situation further, promising to consult with Dr. Caracappa to explore potential solutions.

The board recognized the need for a balance between ensuring student access and maintaining order within the school. Dr. Manning noted the importance of addressing the behavior of students who disrupt restroom access without penalizing those who simply need to use the facilities.

As the meeting concluded, board members encouraged students to return with updates or further concerns, signaling a commitment to resolving the restroom access dilemma. The outcome of this discussion could lead to significant changes in how restroom facilities are managed at the school, ultimately enhancing the student experience.