Bucktail student government leaders urge civility, call for student input on food and grading

Students from Bucktail High School addressed the Keystone Central board during the public comment portion of the work session, thanking trustees and raising concerns about school food quality and grading policy.

Martin Lewis, speaking as outgoing student government president, closed his term and introduced the new president, Keta Bismen. Lewis said student government had added a requirement for members to attend two public government meetings during the year so students learn how governance works. "There are very young impressionable minds watching you guys and learning how to govern and how to lead," he told the board.

A student identified as Kenneth, speaking for student government, said a student survey had identified school meal quality as a primary concern and asked for more student involvement in meal planning next year. He also said students had complaints about a new grading policy they believe "devalues the actual work that students put into class on a day to day basis" and asked the district to consider revising the grading approach.

Kenneth also reviewed Bucktail's year‑end activities, including athletics and band accomplishments, and said an ecology class and student government members planned a June 24 trip to Washington, D.C., with senate gallery passes provided by Senator Fetterman's office and travel costs covered by the Clinton County Economic Partnership and a community fundraiser.

Board members thanked the students for their service and said they looked forward to continued student involvement. The comments were in the public comment portion of the work session; no board action was taken that night.