Discussion of campus monitors at Pahrump Valley High School has all but died down since last year, when the district phone ban took place and dozens of students had their phones taken away by campus monitors. In fact, many students still carry a certain disdain towards them, though they might not fully realize or consider their roles in the school beyond their own grievances. Some students see the monitors as strict or even go as far as saying that they take pleasure in punishing students around the school, but it remains clear after interviews that there may be more nuance to their positions than they think.
One particularly prevalent campus monitor in discussion amongst students is Christine Byrom, or better known by students as “Miss CJ”. She has worked at PVHS as a campus monitor for quite some time. Since she previously served as a deputy sheriff for the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, she said the role fits her well. When asked about what she would say to students frustrated with her and other monitors enforcing policy, she said, “Campus monitors are not here to be mean. We are here because we must enforce the rules and regulations and the policies of the district… but all we’re doing is preparing you for the real world and what’s happening out there. If you’re late to class and tardy to class, you’ll be late to your job and you’ll be fired. We just try to get you ready for the real world.” She explains that she really has little control over the rules she has to enforce and what action she can take when disciplining students. She explained how much both student behavior and school policies have shifted over the years. Though she is part of the larger focus in discussion, she is not the only campus monitor at PVHS.
Another prevalent campus monitor at PVHS is Mike Duvall; he is known as Mr. Duvall among students. Having also worked at the school as a monitor for quite some time, he has a unique perspective on the scene and students. When asked what message he would give to students as a monitor, he responded, “My message would be that we’re not your enemy. We are just here to make sure the school is running smoothly and safely, and a big part of the job is security.” This continues the sentiment of rule-enforcing that comes from a more friendly place instead of spite. When asked about what keeps him motivated during his job, he replied, “Well, the kids. You guys are like a big family to me. And kids all year will be like, ‘I’m late, I’m late, I’m late,’ and as the year progresses, you see them getting on time and doing what they need to do.”
Overall, much of the frustration directed at campus monitors seems rooted more in student resentment than in the monitors’ actual intentions. Their role centers on safety and policy enforcement, and both Byrom and Duvall expressed a consistent desire to help students succeed. Whether they are well-liked or not, their presence remains an essential part of keeping PVHS running smoothly, so the next time you form an opinion about the campus monitors, think about their perspective as people in the school that just want to keep things running smoothly.
