An ATM machine was installed near the MTHS theater March 13. Terrace is the only school in the district with an ATM machine.

There is a fee of $1.75 to withdraw money from the machine. Of that, $0.50 will go to ASB. It also requires that a minimum of $10 be withdrawn. This is inconvenient for people who want to buy from the vending machines because they only accept coins and dollar bills.

The machine is sponsored by a private company called the Columbus Data Services (CDS). It was setup to raise money lost if the vending machines are removed; the ATM machine would be another source of income to help the ASB budget.

The ATM machine is also available for anyone who needs it during school functions so parents, alumnus, staff, and those who visit the school can also use it.

School dances, plays, theater sports, sporting events, and other activities at school all cost money to attend. Sometimes, people are not aware of this. As a result, they would either have to find the money quickly or to go elsewhere, missing the event. With the ATM machine, those with debit or credit cards can get the money necessary.

Dennis Lokhmator, junior, said to use the machine is quick and easy when he needs cash. He plans on taking advantage of it for money for lunches, vending machines, yearbooks, and other fees.

Katherine Mitton, senior, said she noticed the machine the day after it was installed. She said she would not use it because she does not have a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Although she thinks it is a good idea to have the ATM machine, she said she feels the school is trying to get money from kids.

Many students were surveyed on whether they would use the ATM machine or not. Of the 51 students who did have a credit or debit card, only 19 students had said they would be using the ATM machine. Some commented that it is helpful to “pay fast” for expenses. Some also said that if they were really hungry for lunch or really desperate for money, they would use the ATM machine. Many said the main reason they would not be using the ATM machine was because of the “service charge,” of $1.75.

Some of the MTHS staff were unaware that an ATM machine had been set up, even weeks after its installation. Art teacher Linda Bennitt said she was “surprised to see it.” She was not notified ahead of time, as other teachers were.

Marley Hartline, Librarian, said that MTHS had an ATM machine several years ago that was vandalized. She said she believes the setup of this ATM machine is a “travesty.” Despite this, she said, “if ASB is getting money from it, then it is okay.”