By: Julia Xia, Features Editor
Every month, our school district holds a board meeting at the district office in San Mateo. The goal is to always discuss plans to improve the overall functionality of the school district. However, student perspectives are essential to increase student awareness about school district policies and to be a direct channel for student representation in any decision-making process. This is why two district student board members were selected; if you want to talk about improving the school, you need to get the student’s perspective; that’s why Zurine Cheng and Bianca Santos were selected to speak on the behalf of the 9,000+ students in the district.
The district selects two students to be the district student board members. Their job is to provide feedback and ideas that will improve the school district’s student experience and overall functionality. They also act as a bridge to connect to every school in the San Mateo district. Our student board member representatives attend all board meetings, participate in discussions, and provide their input on issues that will directly affect their fellow students.
Every school has student representatives who serve on the district student board council; the coordinator of this council is Mr. Hudelson. 17 students are part of the council; Zurine and Bianca were chosen by the San Mateo School District from this council to represent the 9,000+ students in the entire school district. It is a long process to be considered for the job, with an extensive application and an interview. However, it is necessary to go through this lengthy process to ensure the right students are chosen to represent the entire district.
“It is important to talk and represent the school because every student deserves to attend a school where they feel seen and heard. I believe in the power of student representation and bringing forth current needs and concerns of the student body directly to the board, as the decisions they make directly affect the students in the classrooms.” Zurine Cheng comments.
To make sure the school board properly represents every student in the district, the district turns to the district student council which was just formed this year, of which Zurine and Bianca are a part of, alongside other school representatives. The student council aims to learn and share about their fellow students’ opinions on the school and what they think should be improved. Once a month, the council meets up to discuss these issues. Afterwards, Zurine and Bianca, the SMUHSD Student Board Representatives bring these issues directly to the school board to formulate solutions. This ensures that the entire student body from each of the respective schools gets their chance to have their voice heard and inspires change.
“I represent not just a voice but the collective essence of all 9,000+ students, ensuring all voices are heard and bringing different perspectives to the board. I believe we can all create a more inclusive environment.” Zurine Cheng concludes. Our representatives ensure every student in the district is seen and heard, embodying all voices, and creating not only a sense of community but inclusivity within the district.
