At the core of PUSD’s Student Think Tank is student self-advocacy and voice within the school district’s decision making process. To create new avenues to expand that central idea the Student Think Tank recently hosted their first student-led PUSD Youth Town Hall at Pasadena High School’s Abel Franco Theatre.
The Youth Town Hall was an evening for PUSD students to directly engage with the candidates for PUSD’s upcoming school board elections. Each candidate was given a minute to respond to questions gathered from the PUSD high school student body via a survey process. Questions regarding topics ranging from school budgets to learning gaps and even campus bathroom access led to discussions of what issues were important to students.
[For a full list of the questions asked, see below.]
What made the Youth Town Hall a major milestone for the Student Think Tank was the additional bridge of communication it created between students and the school district’s governing body. Previously, school board election forums were mainly oriented towards voting adults which created a barrier of information. This barrier would make it difficult at times for students to easily engage with their local school politics. Unlike other forums, the Youth Town Hall was an event by PUSD students for PUSD students. High school students were invited to attend and only students could participate in the discussion by raising questions at the event. Students felt heard at this Town Hall and with their questions being directly answered, were able to better understand each of the board candidates.
Four students, one from each high school, served as moderators while one conducted the introduction and closure as well as managed the time. Integral to the process was a one-hour virtual training session led by Katherine Gavzy from League of Women Voters. The League also loaned the PUSD team time-keeping paddles that ensured that all candidates stayed within their allotted time frame.
The board candidates appreciated the conversation opened by the Youth Town Hall. To them it was enlightening to hear what specific issues were important for the students that they would be serving in the future. Seeing the students this engaged in studying local politics and becoming informed voters deeply impressed the candidates, who are looking forward to more student-led events like this in the future.
When asked about the Town Hall, here is what some of the Student Think Tank members had to say:
“Tonight’s town hall is a great way for students in the district to really learn about the board candidates and get involved in local politics. The Student Think Tank also wants to show our board candidates that PUSD students are invested and interested in district policies. I’m looking forward to the next steps after this Town Hall and the growth of student involvement and voice in district policies.”
– Anaís H., who served as a student moderator for the evening.
“Tonight was very insightful for me, and I think for other students as well. It was really good to hear the thoughts of all the different candidates.”
– Adhalia R., who introduced and closed the event and also managed the time
“I really liked tonight’s format. Since all the candidates answered the same questions, we really got to hear the full spectrum of each candidate’s platforms and mentalities as potential board members. Events like this are a great way to bring students and the district closer together.”
– Kaya B., PHS student who led tech support for the event.
Both the Student Think Tank and the PUSD district staff hope to continue growing the PUSD Youth Town Hall as a valuable forum of community communication.
If you are interested in learning more about the Student Think Tank’s work, read more of their stories here.
STT questions asked at first PUSD Youth Town Hall
Budget/Consolidation:
PUSD is currently working through a Fiscal Stabilization Process to cut upwards of $30 million from the budget, coming right after a wave of staff and teacher layoffs earlier this year. As students, we often feel these cuts directly through larger class sizes and fewer campus resources including athletics. If elected, how will you protect the student experience, elective classes, athletics, and other student services while making these mandatory multi-million dollar budget reductions?
Trust:
After controversies surrounding board actions regarding school consolidation, trust among our community is fragile. Please share your previous experience that might help you lead the repair process. Also, please talk about how you would work toward accountability for the board and our larger community – staff, faculty and parents, but students as well.
Academics:
Math and English are important parts of learning and life skills – not just in class performance. How do you plan on addressing the increasing gap between those who excel in those subjects and those who are performing below grade level?
Technology:
As you know, students are directly impacted by technology: computers, phones, and AI. Some of our peers would like to know your thoughts about involving students in decision-making regarding the usage or restriction of technology and AI on campuses. And if you agree that student input should be sought, how would you go about that process?
Security/ICE:
As school shootings and ICE raids increase around the nation, please share your thoughts about steps you would take to make our students safe on campus. How would you as a Board member help the grieving families in case a shooting or ICE raid were to happen?
Bullying:
We have received concerns regarding the safety of students amidst their peers on campus. What measures do you have in mind to reduce the amount of bullying, harassment, and fights at school?
Bathrooms:
Bathroom access, cleanliness, and safety that has been brought by many students. Please talk about what specific steps you as a Board member would take to ensure that all students have access to clean, safe and open restrooms throughout the day.
