Student representative highlights success in sports and arts, raises concerns about weapons screening delays and crowded buses

The New Bedford School Committee heard a student report on March 10 from Elliot, the student representative, who highlighted winter sports achievements, music program awards and upcoming student events while raising concerns about weapons screening delays and student busing.

Elliot summarized extracurricular milestones: “Black History Month was a success with a poetry contest, spoken word night, and Black Student Union Forum,” he said, and noted regional honors for the jazz band and multiple athletes advancing to state and New England competitions.

On safety and operations, Elliot told the committee that weapons detectors can cause delays at busy entrances. “I have been stopped at least once a week, especially down at the gym doors,” he said, adding that students sometimes find the process frustrating because they are the primary group required to pass through screening while others enter by different doors.

Elliot also reported that students have raised concerns about overcrowded buses and that some routes are reportedly run twice because buses are full; he said the Student Advisory Council is encouraging students to sign up for assigned bus routes so capacity is better managed. He noted the council is working on prom accessibility, student busing and a state student advisory newsletter project.

He told the committee he has discussed federal funding uncertainties with Superintendent O'Leary and said district leadership has reassured students about planning. The student representative closed by inviting committee members and the public to several upcoming high school events noted in his report.