High school students propose quarterly fundraising weeks for equity and recommend freshman seminar overhaul

Two student advisory groups presented proposals to the board seeking changes the students say would increase equity and college/career readiness across district high schools.

One group proposed a quarterly spirit/fundraising model similar to a "wish week" held by student councils, to raise money for AP exam fees, club dues, athletic fees and expanded support for unified sports. Students cited participation gaps and access barriers and suggested coordinating across high school clubs (Interact, NHS, Sources of Strength) and community events (restaurant nights, bake sales) to build both funding and school pride.

A separate freshman-success team urged broad changes to freshman seminar programming: cohort-based classes organized around student interests and pathways, clearer postsecondary planning (time management, concurrent enrollment awareness), and an opt-out process for students with pathway-motivated scheduling conflicts. The students proposed quarterly counselor check-ins for students who opt out and recommended using early indicators to measure success (attendance, failure rates, student-reported clarity about postsecondary options).

Board members asked practical questions about funding distribution (districtwide pooling versus school-level fundraising), how to measure outcomes, and whether the district or community would provide seed money and ongoing oversight. District staff said they have existing programs (e.g., Kenny Vento, other student supports) and would explore operational options with learning services and athletics to scale student ideas.

The board did not take action but encouraged staff to study feasibility and follow up at future meetings.