Battle Ground Public Schools

Student Board Representatives Sora Tolley, left, and Ricardo Martin Del Campo

Representative positions elevate student voice on school board

March 6, 2023

Did you know that BGPS’ board of directors includes both elected officials and students? In fact, students have served on the district’s board since the 2018-19 school year. They attend all board meetings; receive all relevant information and materials; and act as liaisons between their schools, students at other schools in the district and the board. Importantly, they provide their insights and perspectives to directors, the superintendent, district leaders and the community. They also vote in an advisory capacity.

Current representatives Ricardo Martin Del Campo and Sora Tolley each had unique reasons for joining. “I wanted to be a student board rep because I want to be a teacher and I wanted more insight on how schools work,” said Martin Del Campo, a senior at Prairie High School who has served on the board since July 2021.

An interest in student leadership and civics led Tolley to apply for her position. Since joining the board in July 2022, the Battle Ground High School junior has gained a wealth of experience in governance. “Although my knowledge on the technicalities of serving on a school board was super limited and the learning curve is seemingly very intimidating, the process is incredibly rewarding! I never knew how much policy school boards had to operate according to, but it’s fascinating to begin to learn,” she said.

Added Martin Del Campo, “The most fulfilling part about being on the board is being able to work alongside other students to have our voices heard on a board level.”

Tolley and Martin Del Campo also encourage other students to seek out similar opportunities. “Serving on the school board has opened my eyes to the excess of opportunities that students have to create change, whether at school, district or state level,” Tolley said. “I had never realized how easy it was to make my voice heard, and the satisfaction of making progress toward change that benefits students is a feeling that everyone involved in student leadership and advocacy deserves to feel!”