To the editor:
Re: "School board unplugs ultrasonic mosquitoes," April 11.
My children attend John Henderson, where one of these devices was recently installed. If these devices reduce loitering and associated problems, I can assure you that the benefit at our school will far outweigh any costs. There is a financial cost associated with vandalism but more devastating is the low morale, anger and frustration-at the school and in the neighbourhood- when you see the aftermath of vandalism. It sets a poor example to the students and gives a bad impression to what is an amazing community. This has happened at our school, especially after Halloween, which is sadly one of the only times our school made it to the 6 o'clock news. You can never please everyone, but from my perspective, staff implemented a proactive measure at many schools where there was an obvious need to deter loitering. If staff had not responded to complaints, there would have been a news story about their lack of initiative. Public school budgets cannot afford high security and gates, and that's not what we want. Since the devices are already in place, I hope we don't end up spending time and money studying the problem. The problem exists and it needs to be managed.
Angela Crampton, Vancouver
