High school students propose painted senior‑parking fundraiser; committee will vote April 30

Students from Oliver Ames High School’s Student Voice Union presented a proposal at the April 16, 2026 Easton School Committee meeting to sell assigned senior parking spots that buyers may paint in supervised sessions as a class fundraiser.

The presenters said spots would be sold at $100 each (payable by cash, check or UniPay) with fee waivers for students on free or reduced-price lunch, and that sale proceeds would go to the senior class. Students said the application deadline will be May 29, with staff review of submitted designs over the summer and approval e-mails estimated by August 1; class officers and advisers would assign spots, and corner spaces would be blocked for snow plowing. The presenters estimated materials and incidental costs of about $960 (including donated paint) and projected a maximum profit of roughly $3,440 if 44 spots sell.

"Seniors will be allowed to customize their spot to their liking," a student presenter said, describing the plan as a way to strengthen class culture and raise funds for senior events. Presenters also said painting would be restricted to scheduled supervised sessions, students must buy supplies from an approved list, and designs must stay inside spot boundaries. At the end of the year students who had a painted spot would be required to repaint it black (the class will provide black paint); the class said unpainted spots would be repainted for the owner at a charge if necessary.

Committee members asked how the district would handle inappropriate content and enforcement. "Is there a parameter of artwork or words or whatever that would be inappropriate, and if that is what happens, what are the steps to remove it?" Lauren Lumis asked. A student replied that all designs must be submitted to Miss Kavanagh for approval over the summer and that on‑site violations would be painted over and could carry disciplinary consequences.

The presenters described oversight roles: Miss Kavanagh will review and approve applications and designs; class officers and advisers will assign spots and coordinate painting sessions; the main office will issue parking passes; assistant principals would handle discipline; and the student group will attempt first-level problem resolution before escalating to administration. For parking enforcement, presenters said Officer Akre can assist with license-plate checks; if a community visitor occupies a senior spot the presenters said they would ask the senior to park elsewhere that day.

Students framed the fundraiser as a way to reduce the per‑student cost of the senior boat cruise by applying projected profits and to start a new tradition. Presenters emphasized plans to make the opportunity accessible to students who cannot afford the fee.

Because the item was not listed on tonight’s agenda, the committee did not take a vote and the members agreed to put the proposal on the April 30 agenda for a formal decision. Presenters were told they do not need to attend the April 30 meeting in person.

Next steps: the School Committee will consider the proposal and any final policy or logistic changes at its April 30 meeting.