Coming back from a virtual year and a half, PHS is ready to rebuild, not just through new construction projects, but by implementing new resources to support student life. Rather than funding necessities, PHS has allocated millions of dollars to new construction, part of which is being directed towards building a concession stand next to the football field. In addition to the stand, PHS has allocated funding towards a new yoga studio and a new cafe. Building a concession stand has no benefits beyond handing out food to the low attendance at school sporting events. Instead, the money should be used for educational resources and supportive programs.

photo by [credit name = "Karen Qiu"]

Having school computers for every student has been an amazing resource while trying to survive COVID-19, but we need more. For example, the cost of participating in activities is often a hindrance, but having funds specifically for clubs would make them more inclusive. Students should also have more assistance while navigating through the college process. The stress that college applications create is overwhelming, especially without enough support. Understanding the different paperwork that must be filled out is a feat alone. Because of this, workshops for scholarship opportunities should happen more frequently to help resolve this confusion.

PHS lacks sufficient resources to improve students’ mental health, and, especially at this time and the pressure students are under, every student needs greater assistance. Students are consistently expressing concerns about how inaccessible the guidance department can be; more counselors should be hired — ones whose purpose is to act as an outlet for students. Many current counselors are multitasking with other priorities such as scheduling and administration, and thus have limited time to help students with their mental health. The guidance department should also promote support groups more and make them more accessible to the PHS community. Students from underrepresented groups at PHS often feel like outsiders; the creation of these groups would allow students to connect and foster a safer environment. These groups must be led by professionals who can advise them in an effective way.

Despite the efforts of the administration to allocate funding in order to better help PHS students, there need to be changes in their priorities. Ultimately, there are many ways that we could better use the school budget, from narrowing the educational disparity gap to improving student mental health, and the fact that thousands of dollars went to a food stand, and $11 million in total went towards unnecessary construction above students’ needs speaks volumes. After students have faced so many challenges because of the pandemic, more funding toward better educational and mental health resources is a necessity for us to overcome these obstacles together.