The 2024 Kentucky legislative session was a pivotal moment for me. As a sophomore, I stepped into a realm unknown to a “kid,” a world of policy and advocacy. I worked on the creation of Kentucky House Bill 381 alongside my team at the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT). We sought to mandate student representation on boards of education statewide. Though the bill did not pass, the experience taught me a critical lesson: you don’t have to be an adult to make meaningful changes in our systems. Anyone, no matter their age, can play a role in shaping policy and making their voice heard. This work inspired me to focus locally, and I eventually helped establish a student board representative seat in Owensboro Public Schools–a goal that students everywhere can achieve.
Decisions made by boards of education directly impact students–from curriculum choices, funding extracurriculars, to addressing mental health resources. Yet, these decisions often lack student input. That’s a problem. Students live the realities of these policies every day, and their perspectives bring insights that no adult, no matter how well-intentioned, can replicate. Boone County Board of Education Student Representative Youssef Saididi aptly put it, “Without a doubt, this is one of the single most innovative and necessary forms of student empowerment.” A student representative can bridge the gap between the board and the student body, offering real-time feedback and fostering collaboration. Beyond practical benefits, this role teaches civic engagement and leadership, empowering students to take ownership of their education.
Creating this role wasn’t easy. My journey began in my freshman year, when I proposed the idea to my superintendent, who outright told me the role wasn’t necessary. That resistance reflected a common concern: that student representatives might disrupt existing power structures. But that pushback didn’t stop me. I used that year to refine my advocacy skills and returned in my sophomore year more prepared. A crucial turning point was finding an adult ally in the administration who believed in the cause and guided me through the process. Together, we demonstrated how this role would benefit both students and the board.
Joud Dahleh, a former Kentucky Board of Education non-voting student representative, summarized the importance of student input: “Students can bring a unique and vital perspective on what’s working and what’s not working in our schools. From my role on the state board of education, I’ve seen firsthand how students can notice problems and propose solutions that adults can sometimes miss.” Student representatives aren’t just symbolic–they’re problem-solvers, offering fresh insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.
For students looking to create a similar role in their districts, here’s what I learned. Start by researching examples of successful student board representatives. Understand your local board’s policies and procedures. Build support by talking to peers, teachers, and community members. Find allies who share your vision. Develop a detailed proposal outlining the responsibilities, selection process, and benefits of the role. Request meetings with board members and administrators to present your case, focusing on collaboration. Finally, be persistent. Change takes time, and initial pushback is common. Refine your proposal, follow up, and keep the conversation going.
This role isn’t just about making an impact today; it’s about shaping the future. Imagine a world where students consistently have a voice at the table, their insights are valued, and they grow up knowing their perspectives matter. That’s the world I want to help create. Having a student representative isn’t just symbolic; it’s a necessary step toward equity and inclusion in decision-making. It teaches us all—students and adults alike—that the best solutions come when we work together.
Andrew Brennen, a nationally recognized advocate for student voice, once said, “When adults say that they want to ‘empower youth,’ they rarely mean that they want to shift power to youth. Important distinction.” Let’s not just stamp the word “empowerment” on a brochure. Let’s create tangible opportunities for students to lead. Advocating for student board representative seats is one of the most impactful ways students can take ownership of their education. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it. To students reading this: start the conversation. Talk to your peers, your teachers, and your board members. Progress takes persistence. You might face setbacks, but there is always a path forward. This role is more than a seat at the table–it’s a platform for your voice, your ideas, and your future.
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