Students press Romeo board about ending senior parking‑lot painting tradition; board advises submitting proposals

Multiple students and a parent addressed the board during public comment on June 23 to ask the board to reconsider or seek alternatives to ending the senior parking‑lot painting tradition.

Student Thales Schimidt asked the board to consider alternatives to painting the rock and expressed concern about the timing of communications to students. Student Max Elter asked whether district staff had attempted to communicate environmental concerns about paint in waterways before the decision to stop the tradition and questioned why parking-lot construction proceeded more quickly than other projects. Student Julian Hill asked whether multiple water tests had been conducted, whether testing was mandated or discretionary, and whether the tradition could be reinstated if a viable solution were found. Student Isaac Nichol suggested environmentally safe paints, parent volunteer supervision, and design pre-approval to address community concerns.

Parent Ronnie Nichol urged the board to consider alternatives to a full ban, citing logistics with the rock and the tradition’s importance to students. President Rachel Eichhorst clarified that the decision to end the tradition was not made by the board. Board members noted they cannot speak for the board on items not previously discussed and voted upon, and encouraged students to develop proposals for consideration. Mrs. Rice encouraged students to research options and present a formal proposal.

The board did not vote on the matter during the meeting; students were directed to follow up with staff and provide proposals for future consideration.