When students of Fremont High School returned to school after President’s Day, they noticed one major change. Construction on the school parking lots had begun unexpectedly. News of construction had been released on Feb. 24. Even though the information had been released, many students were shocked at what was happening. The northeast parking lots, including the tennis courts, are being replaced by a new CTE building.
Many students were not happy with the sudden lack of parking spaces.
“I think it’s stupid,” junior Samantha Wilcox said. “People have to park on the street, which is a snow emergency. [It’s] very unsafe. Also, there’s nowhere to park at all.”
Due to the construction zones, many students have to park along 19th street. Like Wilcox, many students of Fremont High School share the same frustration. More students have shown up tardy due to the franticness of trying to find a parking spot.
“It kind of makes me late sometimes,” junior Adarius Mitzelfelt said. “People like to take up two spots.”
Students are not the only one experiencing difficulties with parking.
“I live in Omaha, so it probably will affect my schedule,” English teacher Aaron Pierce said.
Teachers and students who have to go upstairs could be affected more than usual due to the high amount of hall traffic in main areas and having to walk all the way around the school to get upstairs.
“Although it does not affect me, it will start affecting the upstairs area a lot more than typical,” math teacher Eric Kimberly said.
As parking spots become more scarce, it has become harder to get from class to class for students, especially for students with classes upstairs. Because of the construction of the parking lots and the tennis courts, the renovation of the upstairs math department will be put on hold until later.
“It’s not that big of a deal. Find another parking place,” junior Matthew Canales said.
According to Canales, if people “get here early enough”, then they have nothing to worry about.
For the students and teachers at FHS, driving to school and getting to classes will certainly be different. The CTE building is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.
“It does affect my morning routine, and although I don’t like it, I think people need to get used to it and adapt,” science teacher Bailie Hansen said. “Complaining won’t solve the problem.”
