Principal Jesse Casey assumed his role as East’s head administrator July 1, and his administration began instating new policies right away.
Among the changes introduced this year are the addition of light blue as a new school color, the replacement of pink hall passes with e-hallpass, the increased presence of adults in the halls, the restriction of the lunch area to exclude the Freshman Hill gazebo and the adoption of a new school theme: “Let’s Go East! Loved, Respected & Connected.”
A key goal of Casey’s administration is promoting the safety and security of students through increased monitoring via “duty desks” and e-hallpass, and more consistent enforcement of rules, such as a fixed club schedule and the aforementioned restriction of the lunch area.
“I’m real big on safety—huge on safety,” Casey said. “And consistency is what helps keep things and policies working to keep people safe.”
Still, the new safety-oriented policies have sparked some controversy among a student body that is accustomed to more lenient schoolwide rules.
September’s ECHO Student Survey found that 92.9 percent of respondents believe Freshman Hill should be fully open to students at lunch. The October survey found that more than 79.9 percent do not approve of the school’s implementation of e-hallpass, and 79.4 percent think club passes should not be required for members to attend club meetings at lunch.
Overall, the October survey found that 58 percent approve of Principal Casey’s administration.
Many students have reported difficulties and concerns with e-hallpass.
“If I’m being honest, I don’t really like e-hallpass,” senior Lewis Baucom said. “Although I understand the premise, it just seems unnecessary, especially since it breaches the privacy of students by storing information on our restroom time, which is extremely detrimental.”
Teachers have also reported mixed feelings regarding the new pass system.
“E-hallpass was kind of hard to get used to, and I don’t really know how to monitor it,” said history and civics teacher Brian Koltz. “But it seems to do the job of like, ‘Hey, I need to go to the bathroom,’ and spend minimal time in class by not having to write a pass.”
According to Casey, the school spent $4,895 of its dedicated safety budget on the software. The principal says that he does not see e-hallpass as invasive, and that he believes the school will adjust to the new technology over time.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of things that students don’t want to have to do at school,” Casey said. “But there’s reasons for providing security, safety and monitoring.”
Another key goal of Casey’s administration is bolstering East’s school spirit.
“I want students to be proud of being at East,” Casey said. “I want people to go into their community when they’re out shopping or doing whatever they do, in the evenings, on the weekends, being proud of being an East student. So, whatever we need to do to make people feel that way, we’re going to try to do this year.”
Casey oversaw a Spirit Week Sep. 27-29, the announcement of light blue as the new school color the following week and a Homecoming Dance Oct. 22.
“Of my four years at this school, I feel that my school spirit is at an all-time high right now,” senior Carter Strong said. “I think Principal Casey has a cool principal vibe. He’s very energetic with kids, and I think he’s a good fit for East.”
Right now, Casey says he’s still “learning East” and finding his place among the students and staff, but he is undoubtedly in it for the long haul.
“I moved my family here,” Casey said. “My youngest is in seventh grade and I would love for her to graduate from East just like her older sister who’s here; she’s a sophomore. So, I don’t plan to go anywhere any time soon.”
Photo by Hammond Cole Sherouse/The ECHO
