Reps on the Hill

Compiled by WSSDA Government Relations Coordinator Logan Endres
(Supplement to the Summer 2019 WSSDA Direct)

There are many benefits to having student board representatives. Adding a student’s perspective and insights to a discussion where they would otherwise be absent leads to a more informed decision-making process. Student board representatives can also open a new, vital communication channel between a board and those most impacted by the board’s work. Below, we celebrate the inclusion and participation of “student reps” in school board advocacy work.

Thank you to all the students and legislators who took time out of their busy schedules to share their thoughts with us!

Damon Little, Student Board Representative, Sequim School Board

What did you learn from this experience?
I learned a lot about how much our district’s legislators care about education and worked to fund it fully throughout this year’s legislative session. It was inspiring and comforting to hear their support voiced towards all our needs. While, we already knew Representatives Chapman and Tharinger and Senator Van de Wege are supporters of education, having the opportunity to share our needs and desires and thank them for their work in person is an unmatched opportunity.

When you met with legislators, you talked about many issues. Tell us about one or two that stand out as most important and why.
The most important issue we talked about is the effort to remove the supermajority passage rate on bonds. While the issue was dead for the legislative year when we met, it was still encouraging to discuss how progress was made. It is imperative for all school districts that we get the Constitutional Amendment on a ballot so that districts that are failing bond proposals can get them passed and improve facilities across Washington.

Did you connect with other students in preparation for your meetings with legislators?
No. We discussed as a board what issues we would like to bring forward. However, we do gather student input on other things throughout the year.

Do you see meeting with legislators as an extension of your role as a student board rep? How so?
I don’t see it necessarily as an expansion but more as a responsibility that comes with the role. It is key that as members of the student body chosen to represent them we do so. Part of this lies in speaking to our representatives in the Legislature and voicing the concerns of our peers to form a collective voice and show advocacy through connecting with those in Olympia who make decisions for us.

Representative Steve Tharinger, Representing the 24th Legislative District (R)

What did you appreciate most in meeting with the student board representatives and did anything surprise you?
The student body is directly affected by the education-related decisions that we are navigating in the Legislature so it’s always good to hear their perspective. I am always impressed when students take the initiative to come to Olympia to meet with us.

As legislators, you already appreciate the power of lawmaking, but what advice would you give others about influencing or participating in the process?
The more specific one can be, the better. Referencing a bill number or specific policy is helpful. Tell me about the issues that are directly affecting you—and how I can help.

Meghana Kakubal, Student Board Representative, Mercer Island School Board

What did you learn from this experience?
Before I became a student board representative, I was an “average high school student” in the sense that I was unaware of the actions happening in the Legislature—it went over my head. Preparing and presenting our district’s unified student voice to legislators showed how classroom, school, and school district voices can influence the legislative process. Seeing how classroom, school, and school district voices can influence legislation (and how policies affect individual schools) helps provide a good insight into how it all works.

When you met with legislators, you talked about many issues. Tell us about one or two that stand out as most important and why.
The top issue for me was school safety. My co-student board representative and I came to Olympia carrying the student voice for what’s important for our district. I could tell that hearing these stories/messages from us gave more weight than adults saying it… which is why our interactions are so important.

Did you connect with other students in preparation for your meetings with legislators?We did. We started by presenting the “Hot Topics” list to students in our district to gather their input on what to prioritize. We brought the discussion to various high school classes and provided context as to how these priorities would affect our school. In addition to sharing the priorities with high school classes, we also brought them to the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee (comprised of elementary, middle, and high school students) for their feedback, too.

Do you see meeting with legislators as an extension of your role as a student board rep? How so?
Yes. Students (and even a lot of adults) don’t know a ton about the legislative/lawmaking process and my role on the school board has provided great exposure to the this. I now feel much better informed in regards to legislative happenings and processes. This important exposure provides school board members the knowledge to provide legislative feedback and speak for the school district. Well-informed school board members create good change for students!

Senator Lisa Wellman, Representing the 41st Legislative District (D)

What did you appreciate most in meeting with the student board representatives and did anything surprise you?
I appreciate the opportunity to meet with students, especially student school board representatives. This process provides them an on-the-ground opportunity into civics education and is an important chance for them to engage in the democratic process… truly an invaluable experience.

As legislators, you already appreciate the power of lawmaking, but what advice would you give others about influencing or participating in the process?
Being thoughtful about your approach with each legislator is very important. One specific recommendation that I’d share is to come with a business plan, meaning, don’t just come with an idea—propose a solution. It is key to identifying any necessary funding in your proposed solution. The state has a finite amount of money each session and legislators have to make choices. Lobbying is like a sales job… it’s important to understand your audience.

Andrea Litzenberger, Student Board Representative, Eatonville School Board

What did you learn from this experience?
As a student and a minor, it is empowering to know that your voice is being heard. Often, we say things that get overpowered by adults; but when I went to the capitol I knew that the adults were listening to me and cared about what I was saying. It was an amazing opportunity to meet with powerful government leaders and express my concerns not only for Eatonville School District students, but on behalf of thousands of students across the state. When presenting issues, I found that some of the legislators were not fully informed. Being able to share personal experiences and thoughts allowed them to more fully understand pressing issues. I always had the notion that legislators would know every detail of bills that they are voting on. Sure enough they don’t, and that is why it is important for students to go and express issues. Many of the legislators do not have kids in school and do are only hearing from adults the issues that we face.

When you met with legislators, you talked about many issues. Tell us about one or two that stand out as most important and why.
We talked about two main topics. First, mental health bills along with the sexual health education bill. Mental health bills stood out because it was a topic that all legislators agreed on; it is a big issue today that needs to be resolved. The sexual health education bill stood out because many people did not have information on it. I was able to present an interesting perspective on the bill. Rather than approach the moral issues, I was able to address the financial issues. As a small school, we do not have the budget to implement the curriculum. Being able to bring a brand-new side to light was incredible.

Did you connect with other students in preparation for your meetings with legislators?
I connected with peers to see their point of view on mental health and thoughts on the sexual health education bill. Their personal experiences allowed me to share a plethora of student perspectives.

Do you see meeting with legislators as an extension of your role as a student board rep? How so?
I believe that meeting and talking with legislators is an extension of my role as a student school board representative. I am a representative for students throughout my district. I have the duty to represent them in all aspects where a student perspective is necessary. I find it an honor to share the issues and concerns of my peers.

Representative JT Wilcox, Representing the 2nd Legislative District (R)

What did you appreciate most in meeting with the student board representatives and did anything surprise you?
I very much appreciate the opportunity to engage with students. They bring an important perspective to the table. I’m finding myself experiencing a full-circle experience as I was the ASB [Associated Student Body] president of Yelm High School in the 80s and I helped create the role of student school board representatives in Yelm School District… and now I’m engaging with them as a legislator.

As legislators, you already appreciate the power of lawmaking, but what advice would you give others about influencing or participating in the process?
Make an appointment. Legislative representatives are almost always available to meet with constituents. One thing that most people don’t think about is that we are a very average set of people… you have more in common with us than you think. We are anxious to have authentic conversations with people.