Welcome New BHS Student Members to the BOE!

There is a new law, which took effect in July, that requires all school districts in the state to have at least one student representative serve alongside members of the board of education. BHS has three students who have been selected for this exciting new role: Samantha Sanchez Gil, Amirah Alexander, and Ashley Guerra.

In April, BHS students got the opportunity to apply for the position.

“I filled out a Google form, got an interview with Dr. Gosh, Ms. Horler and the BOE members, and found out a couple of weeks later,” said Amirah. “Before each Board meeting, we meet with Dr. Gosh and Ms. Horler. The BOE members are so welcoming–we are each assigned a mentor in case we have questions. I am thrilled for this opportunity. I have always found myself in leadership roles but wanted to challenge myself to play a bigger role in the community and school and get more involved.”

One of the ideas behind the new law is that student board members offer a unique and first-hand perspective on how policies affect students, which can lead to better-informed decisions.

“At least one of us goes to each board meeting,” said Samantha, “we are collecting data on how the students feel about board policies, such as  the cell phone ban, which is a big one, as well as block schedules, construction, and examples of things that other schools have that we’d like.”

“We are all tapped into the community,” said Ashley. “We all come from different groups in the school, so I think that gives us a good perspective. Amirah is a volleyball player and is part of that group, Sam is in ROTC. I was a part of BOCES and am first generation, so I connect with lots of kids.” 

The law also allows students to participate directly in local governance, which can build lifelong habits of civic engagement and teach them about local government firsthand.

“I have been invested in civic leadership and local politics,” said Ashley.. “I started doing Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute last year– that experience helped me open the door. I love applying what I learned there, and I love using my opinions in the board meetings.” 

What are the aspirations of the new student board members?

“I hope to create a great example for the students next year. I want us to be the model for students in the future,” said Almirya.”

“We will add something to the conversation–what are the students thinking, what is the student perspective?” said Ashley.

“I think if we do a good job, kids can benefit,” said Sam.