A suggestion box has been created which directly connects students with the School Committee. This box is located inside the lunchroom where students can write their suggestions on new policies or their grievances towards a current policy. Students can write their reasoning as to why they believe this and can help provide solutions. 

This box was created due to the noticed increased apathy amongst students on their ability to make an impact on policy. The system will work through an index card in which students can anonymously write their public input and submit the cards to the box. The Student Advisory Council which works directly with administration will ensure inappropriate or off topic suggestions will be filtered out. The suggestions will be discussed and debated which provided the council with new ideas from non members. 

Many students cannot attend monthly meetings due to various circumstances. This system give students the ability to engage in public input on School Committee action even when they are unable to be physically present. Student Advisory member Ella Sousa said, “this system is good for students because many people don’t really know about the club or cannot attend the meetings due to after school activities.” The Advisory meets once a month on the first Wednesday, which is often the week before School Committee meetings. 

This will take effect during the school year 2025-2026 and onward. There have been plans on adding three more boxes in various locations that include the school library, the main office, and room 211. This is a petitioning system where students can anonymously write to the School Committee about policy. The management of these suggestions will be done by the student advisory committee. Once the suggestions are collected the committee will review and present them directly to the school board. The student representatives who attend school meetings will read and explain the suggestions. 

This system provides convenience for students in voicing their opinions as citizens and members of the SBRHS community. Students deserve to be heard by policymakers as they are directly impacted by the decisions and policies. This also allows for School Committee members to have a direct pathway to the attitude and atmosphere of the student body relating to their decisions.

Students understand the school environment as they are in it for the majority of their week. If there is a problem that needs to be addressed relating to students, this system incentivizes them to voice their concerns. This system is designed to empower students’ voices in decision making which directly impacts them.