In response to a district-wide safety review, the Associated Student Body and administration have decided that homecoming floats will be built on campus in 2009, according to an ASB press release.
“Student safety has to be a priority,” said ASB president Kevin Ward. “This is huge.”
The safety review team had cited liability and safety issues associated with students using power tools for school-related activities outside of the Paly campus.
Some ASB officers expressed optimism about the effects of building floats on campus.
“Building floats on campus really encourages more students to come on out on the weekends and after school – everyone knows how to get to Paly,” said Senior Site Council Representative Emily Kenyon.
ASB Vice President George Brown also hopes that more students will help build floats as a result of the change in venue.
“Even though ASB did not make the decision, we are looking forward to increasing participation in float building this year,” Brown said.
The administration has agreed to purchase canopies and rent fences to protect the floats over the next two weeks.
“Mr. Berkson accommodated our requests, and promised to limit any further interference with this classic Paly Spirit Week activity,” said ASB Spirit Commissioner Alex Freeman.
Float building will take place on the weekends of October 18 and 24. The building will take place from 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-3 p.m. on Sundays.