Printing policy proves to be outdated

Printing. Some may find this to be a common luxury in today's society but for some it has become a constant reminder of the loose change needed to be kept handy. Here at Aurora High school we have a policy of printing for 10 cents each page. Now some may think what’s the big deal? To be honest it isn’t a awful concept, yet when a student needs a paper printed on quick notice and has no coins that becomes problematic. That is why I strongly believe something needs to change.

Now not only Aurora High School has implemented this printing system. Many other high schools and universities have implemented some sort of system that allows printing abilities to remain unabused. Which is exactly where many of the issue began.

The argument is not whether or not students should have to pay some amount for printing; It is whether or not paying 10 cents for every paper should be the policy. Now of course if you took away paying for printing in some fashion, many students would abuse this power and nearly print a book a day. However, there are different approaches to this policy Aurora High school should consider.

The cost of one ream of paper is $8.79, a ream consists of 500 pieces of paper. Just think if every student in the school was required to bring in one-two reams of paper at the start of the year, now that's a lot of paper for pure printing. This would allow nearly every student to in essence pay for their own paper for the year, saving the school money on paper. The money Aurora High school saves on paper, then, can be put forth towards the ink costs.

Another way Aurora could implement a simpler and easier policy for printing is just simply including the “ideal” cost for printing in student fees. Every student is responsible for these fees before privileges are rewarded, such as homecoming. Thus, all students would be required to pay for their year’s worth of printing at the beginning of the year. This will in reality make it much easier for students and faculty to print during the school day without the burden of digging for change.

In truth, many people believe the printing system in place at Aurora High School functions perfectly. However, ultimately the system is not functioning how it is meant to. Many students will just lie and state they are printing for a teacher and get away with it. While others that need a paper printed for the next period, and simply can't find a dime, get denied printing.

Ultimately, there are two simple solutions to fixing the functioning of the printing system at Aurora High school. Which one would you choose?