If you’ve been at Agoura in the past couple days, you’ve probably noticed something: it’s time for elections. In just a couple of days, the students of AHS will decide which person they will elect to the most powerful ASB and class positions.
But beyond the catchy slogans and colorful posters, what do these candidates stand for? What changes will they make once elected? Too often, these answers are neglected. If we want to have the greatest power over our school year, it’s vital that we remain informed and are knowledgeable about the vote we cast.
As such, we asked the two ASB Presidential and two Board Representative candidates the same questions on their positions, and all replied. Their responses are copied verbatim and in their entirety. The responses are ordered alphabetically by last name.
ASB Presidential Candidates
Why are you running for ASB President?
Lucas Gary: I’ve been on student council for three years, and during my first year, I was inspired to run for ASB president by Bella Bernt, the ASB president at that time. I loved how she would run Student Council, and I thought her responsibilities were interesting, and I wanted to do those responsibilities too. I also admired how she made changes that positively impacted the student body, such as addressing the administration about the lack of dividers in the boys’ bathroom. I want to help improve the high school experience for our student body, much like she did.
Presley Louwerse: I have enjoyed my time on Student Council so much so far, and I’ve connected with the people on council, so I want to continue doing that on a higher level. I also want to make things better: I’ve seen a lot of the changes that need to happen throughout the school through my friendship with Addie Katz and my relationship with everyone else on the Student Council. I know what they have said, and I know what other groups have said, and so I want to bring that to life.
What are the top three things that you would like to change as ASB President?
Lucas Gary:
One thing I want to change as ASB president is how events are scheduled. Last year, Homecoming coincided with several sports competitions, which prevented many people from attending and resulted in a Homecoming that couldn’t fully reach its potential. I want to schedule school-wide events like Homecoming on dates with no conflicts, allowing everyone to enjoy the fun of these events.
Additionally, I want all grades to be adequately represented on the student council. Historically, the student council has consisted mostly of seniors, with significantly fewer juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. I will aim for a roughly equal number of seniors, juniors, and sophomores (only four freshmen can join student council; three as freshmen class officers and one as freshman class president) on Student Council, showing the diverse perspectives on all issues equally.
Lastly, I want to advocate for our student body and address issues they have to Student Council during Monday Night Meetings. I want to advertise a Google form that anyone at Agoura can submit to share issues they want raised in the student council. I will also implement a “discussion time” for 15 minutes at the end of every Monday Night Meeting to review these problems and brainstorm solutions, enhancing everyone’s high school experience.
Presley Louwerse:
Number one would definitely be school spirit. I feel our community is lacking school spirit. Our football team was fantastic this year, and there was no one at those games; no one really cared. And that’s just a sad thing. I want to contribute to the high school experience, but we don’t really have a high school experience right now.
Second, would definitely be making clubs a bigger thing. I know most presidents always say that, but I’ll do so much for clubs because I feel like nothing ever happens with that. There are definitely prominent clubs that are coming out; I know, we started Model UN this year, and that’s becoming big, and obviously Mock Trial is always a big thing. I want to make those clubs better advertised because being involved in the school community is great for college and I believe that will contribute to school spirit as well.
Third: Definitely getting organization down. The schedule this year was a mess for so many reasons. Why was homecoming so early? I know people on track that had a meet and homecoming the same day; they couldn’t go. That’s so sad. I wanna make sure that all those events are accessible to all those different communities, no matter what.
ASB Board Representative Candidates
Why are you running for ASB Board Representative?
Isabella Greene: I’m running for ASB Board Representative because I genuinely want to make a difference in our school. I believe everyone should have a voice, and I want to be the person who helps make sure that happens. I want my fellow peers to be comfortable in speaking out and voicing their ideas. I know what it’s like to feel like your ideas or concerns don’t always get heard, and I want to change that. I understand everyone has different interests whether it’s academics, arts or sports and I want to hear from everyone. I’m passionate about bringing people together, whether it’s through fun events or just creating a space where we can talk openly. My goal is to share students ideas in a positive way to fulfill their ideas and wants. If elected, one of my main goals is to foster a more inclusive environment for everyone. Our school is made up of so many diverse individuals, and I want to ensure that all students feel like they belong, no matter their background or interests. This means creating events and activities that reflect our diversity and making sure every student has a chance to participate. I know school might not always be fun, but that’s why I want to make a difference. I want to make our school a place where everyone feels included, respected, and excited to be here.
Benjamin Siegel: I am running for ASB Board Representative for many reasons. The most important reasons that stand out to me are: the fact that I have personally seen the impact that our Board Representative can have, my passion for making our school and overall the school district a better place for students, and lastly my interest in being able to represent every single student on campus. I think another aspect of being the Board Representative is that it is one of three Executive Positions. It is a lesser-known aspect of the position, and yet it is also one of the most important. Not only does the Board Representative represent the student body. But they are also there to support other council members. Whether that be in event planning, questions on how Student Council works, and of course new LVUSD Board Policy and how it affects both the student body, and Student Council specifically. Having been a Junior Class Officer this year, I know I can handle both the obligations in Student Council, and also with being our school’s student representative to the LVUSD Board. In conclusion, I am running for Board Representative not only to represent you and make our school a better place, but also to help make Student Council itself and the events that come from it better. That is why I am running for Board Representative.
What are the top three things that you would like to change as ASB Board Representative?
Isabella Greene:
If elected, as ASB Board Representative, I want to create a school environment where everyone feels included, connected, and heard. My main goal is to make sure every student feels represented, no matter what their interests might be. Our school has so many diverse groups, for example the numerous clubs we have on campus.
Furthermore, I want to create more opportunities for all students to get involved. I’ll work to organize events and activities that bring together the different aspects of our school community, so everyone feels like they belong.
Another one of my goals is boosting school spirit. School spirit can really make a difference in how we feel about our school, and I want to help bring more energy and enjoyment. I hope to make spirit weeks, rallies and more events to be more enjoyable for everyone.
Lastly, I want to improve communication between students and the administration. I know that sometimes students feel like their voices aren’t being heard or may be uncomfortable sharing, and I want to make sure that changes. I’ll work to gather feedback from students and bring it to the administration, so we can make sure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. I plan to gather feedback from students through surveys, meetings, and open forums so that I can bring their concerns, ideas, and suggestions to the administration. By doing this, I hope to ensure that students have a voice in the decision making process and that their concerns are addressed in a timely and transparent manner. Clear communication and transparency will help create a stronger sense of trust and cooperation between students and the admin. I hope to make the upcoming school year enjoyable for everyone.
These are my priorities that I believe will not only improve our school community but will also help every student feel more connected, involved, and excited about their school experience. As ASB Board Representative, I will work hard to make these changes a reality.
Benjamin Siegel:
First, I want to introduce using social media to further connect with every student. Whether this be posting the most current information on new policy, connecting with students, answering questions, etc. I think one of the most important things the Board Representative can do is to connect with the very people they represent (the students). Being able to be available to all students, at all times, presents a great opportunity to bring more to the School Board on student issues, and opinions. I am aware of there being a “Board Updates” account, however, it has been out of use since 2023. Bringing that back, and also expanding the usage of that account presents a great opportunity not only for students, but also for the Board Representative.
Secondly, I want to bring back in-person student feedback sessions. This is something that I will need to talk to our admin team about if I am elected as the next Board Representative. However, I want to bring this back so that I can hear your feedback and so our administrative team can hear from you. I, as the Board Representative, am accountable to you, the students, our Admin team is here to make our school the best it can be. Bringing this event back will allow you to talk to me directly about issues you face, and it also presents the opportunity to talk to our Principal, Assistant Principals, or both. I think this is a great backup option as well, for those who would rather talk to me in person, and or for those who cannot access social media.
Finally, I want to change the attitude of the position. What do I mean by this? Let me tell you a short story. Twelve years ago this election cycle, our School Board Representative did not have a vote on the school board. The Board Representative at the time, looked into California Education Code and found that if he obtained 500 student signatures or 10% of the student body’s signature, he would be able to gain that ability to have a recorded vote. Once he garnered those votes, he presented this to the school board, and with some back and forth between the board and the Board Representative at the time, that right of the students was granted. To put this in perspective, the position of Board Representative is a political position. From the student election to representing you, the student body. My priority is simply going to be you, the students, and only you. That is exactly what I will bring to the table. Proper representation isn’t appeasing, but it’s about finding real and adequate solutions to issues that affect students every single day. Whether that be on district policy, school policy, etc. I will represent students with exactly what students say they want.
Candidates will deliver speeches next Tuesday, where they will further elaborate on their positions.
Elections are on Tuesday, March 18th. Look in your email inbox for the voting form sent from Mr. Colin Buchanan. All winners will be announced by Thursday, March 20th at 5:00 p.m.
