Wishfull thinking for PPS students

By Isaiah Trumbull (Senior)

The Pittsburgh Public School Board decided in a 7-2 vote in January to table a resolution that would have enabled students to serve on the school board.

The proposal would have created the role of Student Board Representative through which two students, one junior and one senior, would have served. Those representatives would have been nonvoting participants at School Board meetings and been responsible for communication with the student body. The application process planned to involve a selection committee of high school principals evaluating letters of recommendation and transcripts. A final recommendation would have been made by the Superintendent for the board to consider.

The resolution was proposed by Sala Udin. Gene Walker and Sala Udin voted for passage. Board members who did not support the proposal voiced concerns that the two students would not fully represent the student population, and that the Board had more pressing problems regarding efficient functioning.

Tabling the resolution does not mean that the movement is dead, rather that it can be taken up at a later date. Student Leader Pavel Marin says that “this is a way for the Board to take a look at the issue through the policy committee and come back with a concrete policy to implement.” He said, “this is actually a good thing because oftentimes board resolutions are forgotten about.” The student leader said that “the votes to table were not votes against the resolution, and the board as a whole is very supportive of the movement.” Many remain hopeful that the policy avenue will yield success, although Mr. Marin said that he is trying his best to get the policy passed soon so that the program can start in the upcoming school year.