Student senators propose new governance model after visiting Sagen and Hanover

A delegation from the Oyster River High School student senate described plans on Jan. 21 to reform student government after visiting Sagen and Hanover High Schools.

Students (including Tegan Nato, Caroline Sterndale, Natalie Buck and Amaly Trump) said those schools use community‑council models that combine student, faculty, administrator and community voting members and run grade‑level forums to gather systematic student feedback. The senate said it wants to become a stronger liaison between administration and the student body, increase committee work, improve fundraising systems and establish clearer bylaws.

"We would like to serve as the true liaison between administration, the student body, and the community," one student said, adding that the senate has formed committees to draft a constitution and to address funding processes. Students told the board they had already contacted administrative staff about using digital payment options (Venmo/Apple Pay) to ease fundraising and cited examples from the schools they visited.

Board members asked operational questions about how community members are selected at other schools and whether the models produce concrete initiatives. Students pointed to Sagen’s grade‑wide forums and fundraising successes (they reported as much as $10,000 raised for school and community projects) as examples of impact.

Next steps: The student senate will report back to the board as its constitution committee finalizes proposals; the board encouraged the students and offered staff resources to support planning and communications.