Letter: Give students a voice at the table

I'm not a radical. I'm a student at Washington High School who is concerned about the direction of his school district.

For three years I have fought for a spot at the table for students. This spot still doesn't exist. I feel it is not radical to propose that the very core of the education system is represented. At this time students have no voice. We are told give input, but it either falls on deaf ears, or is seen as a matter of discussion, not action. This issue of the student body not being represented at the decision making level has seen its effects.

One of which is the continued lack of transparency in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. We need a way for students to be represented at the district level. Either through a student advisory committee or a student advisory position on the school board. If you are angry that there is a lack of accountability, fight for a student place at the table. Let students voice their concerns because they live the reality of daily life in the schools the administration runs. This is not a radical proposal. I want (as others do) sensible, intelligent, and pragmatic students at the bargaining table. This isn't a radical proposal, but a radically modest one at best.

Matthew Haile

Cedar Rapids