District Could Bag Open Lunch at CV

Soaring numbers of drug-related expulsions, traffic accidents and are prompting Glendale Unified School District officials to open discussion about ending the school’s open campus policy.

CV is the only Glendale school with an open campus for the 35-minute lunch break, and a decision from the board of education.

In the past five years, there were 41 expulsions at Crescenta Valley High School – all of which were for possession, use or sale of marijuana alcohol or other drugs, Dr. John Garcia, GUSD Deputy Superintendent, told Patch.

Garcia will tonight at the about the number of expulsions, tardys and unexcused absences during fifth period, which falls after lunch. 

During the 2010-2011 school year three students were arrested during lunch period, one in a weapons-related arrest and two for drug-related arrests. Two students ran or drove away from law enforcement and another student was cited for speeding.

During the first week of the this new school year, about six students had unexcused absences after lunch and about 25 students were tardy during fifth period each day, Garcia said.  

Two traffic crashes also happened last school year during the students’ lunch break, Garcia said, including one injury collision along Foothill Boulevard and another on the Foothill (210) Freeway.

“The issue right now is we’re not at a decision as to close the campus or leave it open,” Garcia said. “What we’re doing now is we’re presenting the data to the board at the meeting, which is now being presented to the town council to spur the subject.” 

It’s unclear how many people will be at the meeting tonight, Garcia said, but the town council sought public opinions by creating an online poll that brought more than 350 voters. 

Ultimately, the decision to bag lunch at CV would come from the board of education, Garcia said.

“The bottom line is we’re concerned about student safety and very risky behaviors that we believe are a part of having an open campus for students,” Garcia said.

CV Town Council meets tonight at 7 p.m. at , 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta.