Calais High policy on restroom access creates concerns

During the September 14 meeting of the Calais School Committee, the exceptionally large number of attendees, both in person and on Zoom, expressed strong opinions on the new restroom policy at Calais High School.
Superintendent Ron Jenkins noted, "We are doing what we feel is necessary to provide a safe and open environment here. That sometimes involves putting in place rules and regulations that are different from another time." Assistant Principal Kati Grass described the new rules that limit the availability of restrooms during the day. Two restrooms are open during each five-minute transition period, with two other restrooms near the offices available during class periods. Students may request to use the restroom during class periods and are provided a pass. Students then sign in and out at the office when using the restrooms.
According to Principal Heather Bowles, nearly $40,000 in damage was done to the restrooms during the 2021-22 school year, including damaged stalls, sinks ripped from the walls, damaged urinals and commodes as well as smoke alarm sensors damaged or destroyed. "We have an entire population of kids afraid to use the bathrooms," said Bowles. "Kids were going in there in large groups, gang-like groups, and it was very scary, especially for some of the younger or smaller kids." Chief William Nicholas Sr. of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township addressed the board, expressing concerns that have been brought to him by parents and students. It is important to hold the individual youth, not all youth, accountable for bad behavior, he said, adding that parents also need to be held accountable. According to Nicholas, as well as several parents and other tribal representatives, students have been suffering adverse health effects caused by the inability to use restrooms during the school day, with complaints of discomfort and illness from "holding a bowel movement for too long." The tribal high school liaison also stressed, "All students shouldn't pay the price for the actions of the few."
Teacher Anne Scott of Calais High School acknowledged the concerns of the parents. Scott said that she has noted many fewer students wandering the halls during class time. She also noted that holding individual students accountable is extremely difficult, as the staff is not allowed to monitor the activities occurring in the restrooms. They try their best by trying to keep the line moving while restrooms are open, but that is all they can do in the absence of any reported incidents. Grass noted that students are able to report incidents using an anonymous text system; however, too many students remain leery of being considered a "snitch."
Board member Michael Chadwick likewise acknowledged the concerns expressed during the nearly hour-long discussion. He noted that the policy is new, addresses significant safety issues from the prior year and can be adjusted as the school year progresses. "We also need to keep the kids safe here."
In other business, the board appointed Anne Scott as math team advisor and approved hiring Blake Collins as an ed tech for the alternative school. The board also accepted the resignation of Kati Grass as drama advisor.
Following an executive session, the school committee directed the superintendent to proceed with an application for leased temporary and interim space for the Calais Elementary School. Sue Carter, elementary school principal, had previously provided the committee with information on portable classroom buildings to meet the urgent space needs while the new addition moves through the bid and construction process.