For many Calabasas High School seniors, a coveted parking spot is not just a convenience, it is a symbol of privilege and responsibility. This year, some students were found using or selling their right to park in senior spots outside of the school’s official process, raising questions about fairness and accountability. In October, the administration offered a limited amnesty period, encouraging students who had violated the rules to come forward without facing major consequences. Several students admitted to violations during this period, while others were later discovered to have disregarded the policy.
Parking policies at CHS exist to maintain both fairness and safety on campus. Each spot is owned by the school, and students only have the right to park there if they follow the proper process. Misusing this right can create confusion, prevent seniors from using spots they earned, and make it harder for staff to monitor who is on campus. To prevent further issues, CHS implemented a badge system that allows staff to verify parking passes and license plates, ensuring that students who earned the right to park can access their spots safely and fairly.
“There’s always been kind of an urban legend about it, right? But then we [Wutkee and CHS Admin] were able to get some concrete information and move forward,” said CHS principal Mr. Wutkee, explaining how the school first discovered the issue.
The amnesty period gave students the opportunity to come forward voluntarily, correct mistakes, and avoid serious disciplinary action.
“Some students may not have been acting out of malice. They might have just seen it as an opportunity. That’s why we offered an amnesty period to let them come forward and learn from the experience,” said CHS principal Mr. Wutkee.
Even after the amnesty ended, the administration continues to monitor parking lots as new students earn licenses throughout the year. This ongoing vigilance ensures that seniors who have the right to park in their spots can do so without interference.
“The investigation is still ongoing, because as more students get their licenses throughout the year, some may try to find ways to park improperly. We’re constantly vigilant to make sure the students who earned spots are able to park,” said Wutkee.
The badge system helps staff verify parking passes and license plates quickly, maintaining safety and fairness across campus. Staff checks are done on an intermittent basis, meaning that students never know exactly when they might be monitored. This unpredictability ensures that only authorized drivers are using the designated spots and discourages attempts to bypass the rules. The system also allows administrators to quickly address any mistakes, prevent conflicts between students, and keep high demand areas near Mulholland and Valmar organized during the busiest times of the day. By combining technology with consistent oversight, CHS can make sure the right students have access to the right spots, while also reducing stress for students who follow the rules and rely on their spaces.
“On any given day, staff can scan parking passes and check license plates to verify that the right students are in the right spots,” said Wutkee.
CHS administrators hope the situation provides a broader lesson in responsibility and integrity. Following the rules ensures fairness, keeps the parking system organized, and promotes a safe school environment.
“I hope students understand the importance of acting with integrity. Respecting the rules ensures everyone who paid for a spot gets it, and keeps our campus safe,” said CHS principal Mr. Wutkee.
