Student representatives press for homecoming, flag parking headaches tied to turf project
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Summary
New nonvoting student representatives outlined student interest in a homecoming dance, recent midterms, and detailed morning parking congestion worsened by snow and upcoming lot closures tied to the turf field project; students asked the board to find parking solutions.
Haddonfield, N.J. — Newly sworn nonvoting student representatives told the board on Jan. 9 they’ll amplify student concerns about extracurriculars and day-to-day issues, highlighting a push for a homecoming dance and immediate worries about morning parking.
Student rep Finley Ritter said a student council survey showed a majority favor a homecoming dance, with tradeoffs including replacing the existing Fright Night dance and rescheduling freshman/sophomore events. Ritter noted scheduling complications tied to football game dates: "In our ideal world, which we would definitely have to navigate in the future with the football schedule ... if football was to have a Thursday night game then you'd have the dance the next night."
Ritter and other reps also described morning parking problems exacerbated by recent snow: single-lane egress, students forced to back out single-file, multiple vehicle door dings and students arriving late. She warned the problem will intensify when a lot is closed to accommodate the new turf field and said alternate borough lots require paid parking (noting an approximate $200–$250 fee), which students find burdensome.
Board members acknowledged the concern and asked staff and project managers (on the turf/Hopkins projects) to keep parking impacts front of mind as construction proceeds. Potter and staff said they are planning construction access with the goal of minimizing disruption but warned next year will require closer coordination.
Provenance: Student rep presentation and discussion of parking and homecoming (student oath and comment segments SEG 175–SEG 396).