On Tuesday, Oct. 3, all vending machines in the PA cafeteria were reinstated after their original shut down and relocation eight days earlier. The vending machine shutdown was established by Principal Todd Tarkenton on Monday, Sept. 25 due to student tardiness.
Before the relocation, Tarkenton describes he was aware of the effect of the vending machines on student tardiness. He claims he has personally seen students stopping by the vending machines on their way to or from the place they had permission to go to. Because of these behaviors, Tarkenton noted a need for change and acted. He says removing the vending machines from student access “was a necessary action to take” and he “didn’t need permission” to remove the distraction.
During the time of shutdown, Tarkenton mentioned he already saw a decrease in the number of tardies and an improvement in time being spent in class. This rise in punctuality is encouragement towards Tarkenton and his goal for the students. “Punctuality is critical,” he states. “Getting their education [is] my top priority.”
Tarkenton said that the shut off has not been a “tremendous detriment” to the school’s financial stability; the money raised from the machines goes towards supporting school clubs and activities. “I am willing to make sacrifice[s] to make sure we know it is more important to get to class on time.”
Along with punctuality issues, according to Tarkenton, the vending machines were in violation with the Food Services Office even before his start as principal in 2022. The government funding towards the school stipulates that no other food operations should be active during school scheduled lunch periods. He stated that if and when the machines were put back in order, they “will not be on during the lunch period”.
Before the return of the vending machines, Tarkenton said it is “up to the students” whether or not they stay in service. A correlation between the usage of the machines and student tardiness is the deciding factor. “They are a privilege, an opportunity, that [can] be taken away if we abuse it.”
