Initiative seeks to lift up student voices through seat at decision table

As conversations surrounding budget cuts, teacher layoffs, and student well-being continue throughout the Oshkosh Area School District [OASD], one initiative hopes to ensure students themselves are part of the discussion. “Amplifying Student Voices,” a campaign launched by OASD School Board Clerk Molly Smiltneek, aims to create opportunities for students to openly share their experiences, concerns, and ideas regarding their education. Through a district-wide survey and plans for future student forums, the initiative seeks to build stronger communication and trust between students and district leadership.

Smiltneek explained that the campaign stemmed from noticing a disconnect between district decision-making and student input.

“Our school district talks a lot about ‘students first’ and we say we prioritize serving students,” she said. “We don’t seek out their opinions. We don’t encourage or empower them to speak. How can we possibly be putting students first if we don’t know what they want or need or what they are experiencing in their school life?”

After nearly two years on the school board, Smiltneek noticed that many district discussions directly impacting students were happening without students being part of the conversation.

“As a school board member, I am charged with representing the interests of students,” she said. “But, I very rarely hear from students. They don't email, they don’t come to our meetings. And I don’t blame them one bit. They aren’t encouraged to speak up–about the good or the bad.”

According to Smiltneek, the survey was designed not only to gather information, but to begin building relationships and trust with students.

“I hope surveying students, just like other elected officials survey their constituents, will help open a dialogue,” she said. “I want it to be clear that I am here to listen, not judge. As that trust is built, I hope we can move to more of a two-way interaction where, eventually, students can lead and drive change in our district.”

The survey received 160 responses from students across multiple grade levels and schools throughout the district. Responses reflected a wide range of perspectives on academics, student life, teacher relationships, school climate and district policies.

Many students expressed appreciation for supportive teachers and extracurricular opportunities, while also voicing concerns regarding behavior issues, communication gaps, school safety and budget cuts. A large number of responses focused specifically on the impact of teacher layoffs and reductions to arts and elective programs.

“STOP CUTTING TEACHERS!” one student wrote. “Teachers I have been comfortable with are getting cut, teachers who are running my favorite clubs are getting cut; this is ruining the student experience.”

Other responses highlighted concerns about school climate, student stress, and feeling unheard. 

“I wish they gave us more trust and were more curious about our experiences and what we need,” one student wrote. “Rather than what they think we need.”

Micah Troedel, senior president of BSU, said the campaign’s primary focus is ensuring students have a place in district conversations.

“The main goal of this campaign is to amplify student voices and invite them to the decision making tables,” he said.

Troedel said the response from students demonstrates how important these opportunities for feedback are.

“I believe students responded positively,” he said. “The survey results indicate that students appreciated the opportunity to use their voice to share their perspectives with decision makers.”

Smiltneek said the survey responses are already influencing her priorities and actions as a board member.

“There appears to be a lot of uncertainty about class offerings and returning staff,” she said. “It is clear students are anxious about next year.”

As a result of those concerns, Smiltneek said she has already contacted district administration requesting earlier release of student schedules and clearer communication regarding course availability and staffing changes.

“This additional information would provide context, allowing students to process any impacts on them,” she said. “Knowledge and information sharing increases engagement and trust.”

Another major component of the initiative moving forward is the creation of Open Forums for Students, where students would be able to discuss their experiences directly with adults in trusted environments. Survey responses showed many students would prefer these discussions to happen during the school day, while others suggested community locations such as libraries, the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.

“I literally want to engage students where they are at,” Smiltneek said. “Overwhelmingly, students were interested in participating during the school day.”

Troedel said he hopes this initiative marks the beginning of broader student involvement throughout the district.

“I hope that this survey will serve as a catalyst to involve student voice in every level of decision making in our school district,” he said.

For Smiltneek, the initiative ultimately comes back to a simple idea.

“The ‘Amplifying Student Voices’ initiative matters because students matter,” she said.

by Jazbia Farooq

Published May 26, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VIII