Accommodations for Running Start students have been less than substandard this school year, according to SHS senior Leah Saratsis, who has returned for comment on the issue. She believes the school is not properly equipped with facilities to provide support for these students.

For about two years, the Sentinel Center has provided students with a quiet workspace, amenities and has been the only designated space for Running Start and PCSC students. It welcomed students with a Keurig, snacks, a smartboard and its glass walls to doodle on, to build both community and provide some mental health relief. But returning from winter break in January, students were no longer able to use the space. The library was then made a temporary refuge for Running Start students. However, Saratsis said privacy invasion, lack of supervision, and unpredictable availability since have been a problem. For example, when a supervisor is not present, students are evicted from access to the library. Saratsis said SHS principal Jake Tyrrell told her, “I will do my best to ensure the library is always open for you.” He believes that the Sentinel Center was unneeded and the library is the students’ best workspace when on campus. In fact, due to its proximity to the school, he speaks highly of Pierce College and its study spaces which are available to Running Start students.

When the library is unavailable, the students are provided a table which stands front and center by the main entrance. The location is a cause for safety concerns, due to the wide open space surrounded by windows and throngs of students. Registrar Jessica Rady says that “of the 216 [students], 83 are full-time Running Start students.” However, Tyrrell estimates that only about 10 of these students are in the building at one time.

Speculation also persists that general inconveniences of the program are leading up to the administration doing away with Running Start entirely, but Principal Tyrrell affirms that they will never get rid of it, and that it is a great way for high school students to receive an AA. Overall, he encourages students to be independent and seek out the information they need to succeed on campus.