OVER the past few months, Kearns High has introduced or enforced existing campus rules and students have most definitely noticed. As the 2025-2026 school year began, students and teachers alike were informed about the enforcement of the rules that were in place. This came with complaints, criticism, and anger but it also came with an increased productivity in classrooms with teachers supporting that welcome change in atmosphere. These reactions have sparked ongoing conversations across campus, leading many to focus on the specific policies that have changed the most.
AMONG the most discussed changes are stricter tardy policies, hall pass monitoring, and parking permit enforcement. This has raised a lot of worry for the students and teachers at Kearns High School. Some students have a more positive view than others. One student that has chosen to stay anonymous expressed that “the rules have forced me to focus on the classes I go to every day and I have genuinely seen an improvement in the work I do everyday because of them.”
ALTHOUGH this might be the case for this student, there are other students that have had a more negative experience with the enforcement. Many feel the rules are applied inconsistently or too harshly, creating a sense of frustration rather than improvement. Some students argue that the stricter policies add unnecessary stress to their school day, making it harder to focus on classes and feel comfortable on campus. For them, the increased enforcement has not led to a better environment but instead has highlighted gaps in communication and understanding between staff and students.
FROM the administration’s standpoint, the renewed rule enforcement isn’t about control, but structure. The goal is to create a learning environment that feels “focused, educational, and productive” Rebecca Dees, Kearns High school administrator explained. When talking about truancy she says “If kids have ideas to try and improve the truancy rules, they are free to talk to me and we can take the feedback and we can always improve our policies”
ASSISTANT Principal Scott Wooldridge explained the parking pass rules. The rule is that kids that want to park in the facility need to have a parking pass. The parking pass is there to show that students have gotten permission to park there as well as confirming that they have a valid drivers licence. Wooldridge explained, “ part of what we try to prevent is the kids that shouldn’t be driving anyways, this is part of why we have the parking passes.” He later remarked that “ it’s to make sure that our students can take accountability with having a car and the students who shouldn’t be driving cause a risk”
TEACHERS, too, have mixed feelings. While many appreciate the clarity and structure, others have noted that enforcement can sometimes take away from students’ willingness to learn. Still, most agree that consistency is key, if rules exist, they need to be applied fairly and evenly.
STUDENTS have been vocal about how these changes impact daily life. Some agree with the administration’s intent, while others feel the enforcement has gone too far.
THE student body is clearly divided. Some see the changes as necessary, others as excessive. What both sides agree on, though, is that communication could be better. Students want to feel like their voices are part of the decision-making process.
GISELLE Quintero (12), student at Kearns High school said “I don’t necessarily think that the rules are horrible but I feel as though there needs to be more communication.” She explained, “ I understand the rules but the reason why students are getting upset is because the school rules went from level 4 to level 8 in one summer.”
THE enforcement of rules has led to some positive outcomes: fewer tardies, improved attendance, and more orderly hallways. Teachers have noted better focus in class and a more professional atmosphere overall.
HOWEVER, there are still areas for improvement. Some students report inconsistencies in how rules are applied. One teacher may let small things slide while another enforces them strictly. Others feel that certain policies, like hall passes or phone rules, could be modernized to reflect current student realities.
THE conversation at Kearns High is far from over. As the year continues, both students and staff will have to find a balance between what’s good for the students educationally and what can help motivate them to go to school without having to implement enforced policies.
ULTIMATELY, rules are meant to help schools function. Their success depends on how they’re communicated and enforced. Kearns High’s evolving approach shows that even established policies can spark important conversations about respect, responsibility, and community.
