Essay
Students around the world, and especially in our state, feel as though their voices aren’t adequately represented, or downright ignored in spaces where choices are made that affect their everyday lives. Though, there has been some push back on this old way of thinking in the form of a bill.
Please consider bill HF-63 to be a law, the importance of this bill is not lost on me, and I’m sure it’s just as important to you all. Bill HF-63 calls for student voices to be represented and properly accounted for in discussions and meetings regarding schools in our state. The bill modifies school board membership requirements and expands membership to include student members. Under HF 63, and starting in the 2026–2027 school year, school districts would create a process to select two students from the grades of 9th–12th to be able to serve as student board members, the bill also requires all board members,including student members to be able to receive training in school finances and management within 180 days of being elected or appointed.
I personally believe and advocate for this bill because I was an active member of ‘Citywide’. Citywide’s philosophy encourages students to be in a space where they’re able to be an active voice and member. I’ve personally seen the difference it makes when students are given a real place in decision making and learning how a school system really works. Students can be genuine participants, not just observers. Being part of that showed me how much value students bring when they’re actually listened to.
When students are included, conversations become truly more grounded in lived experience. It encourages schools to think about the real impact policies have on the people they’re meant to serve. Giving students a seat on school boards isn’t just symbolic, it leads to stronger decisions, more transparency, and a school environment that reflects the needs of the community.
HF 63 would take the kind of student voice Citywide cultivates and bring it into every district. I believe in this bill because I’ve seen what happens when students are empowered, and I know how much better our schools can be when we’re allowed to be part of the process.