Beech Tree News Network

Dear Editor,

Over the past five months, I been a part of a statewide campaign familiar to some as #StandWithStudents.  Spearheaded by members of the Prichard Committee Student Voice Team, its purpose is to elevate the level of conversation surrounding students’ participation in school governance.

During the most recent legislative session, we pushed for HB 236, a bill that would add an optional student member to superintendent screening committees.
The bill stalled after two unrelated, controversial amendments were added to it, one of them belonging to Senator C.B  Embry.

We reacted instinctively, wary of any language added to our bill that was not related to its original intention and that would likely prevent its passage in the House.  But when we asked Senator Embry directly if he would consider removing his amendment if it meant passing our bill, we were surprised and
impressed that he agreed to do so.

Since that moment and after subsequent conversations with him, it has become clear to us that Senator Embry does indeed recognize the added value that
students can bring to institutions of school governance. We are convinced he is a firm believer that young people who spend 35 hours a week in a classroom
can provide useful insight as to what works and what doesn’t.

That is why on behalf of the Student Voice Team, I want to personally and publicly thank Senator Embry. I also want to note that we look forward to the
future possibility of collaborating with him to push legislation that gives students additional rights and responsibilities related to their own
education.

Andrew Brennen
Student Director, Prichard Committee Student Voice Team