CRLS student leaders press for clearer, fairer club funding and more training for student officers
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Summary
Cambridge Rindge and Latin student representatives told the School Committee they held a club leaders roundtable at CRLS and urged clearer budgeting, more leadership training and transparency around participatory budgeting funds for clubs.
Student school committee members representing Cambridge Rindge and Latin School reported to the board on April 15 about a club leaders roundtable they hosted and called for clearer, fairer processes for club funding and more leadership opportunities for underclassmen.
Student representatives said the roundtable, held April 3 and attended by CRLS finance staff and school administrators, aimed to demystify club budgeting and help student leaders advocate for better access to resources. The students said common concerns included uneven communication from advisors, the burden of fundraising falling on students for senior events, and limited transparency about recently approved participatory budgeting funds dedicated to clubs.
Key points
- Students asked for more leadership training, especially for underclassmen who will take on leadership roles in future years.
- Students called for better communication channels—copying club leaders into budget and planning emails and shared resources—so that advisors and officers alike understand club budgets and restrictions.
- Club leaders noted fundraising burden limits what volunteer clubs can do; they asked for funds to support volunteer activities such as providing culturally appropriate meals for partners like the Harvard Square homeless shelter.
Committee response and context
Committee members commended the student leaders and encouraged them to continue working with district staff. Member Weinstein suggested the district CFO’s approach to making budget information accessible could be a model schools might adapt. Committee members also encouraged student representatives to involve city and school administrators in a planned round two of the roundtable.
Next steps
The student representatives said they plan a follow-up roundtable with city and school officials and aim to clarify funding processes for the 2025–2026 school year so clubs can plan more equitably.