Welcome back, new and returning seniors, juniors, and sophomores, and welcome to our freshmen! As we enter a new chapter of the 2025–2026 school year, we would like to formally introduce ourselves, Zihaam Jama and Eva Asraf, as your new Student Representatives to the Cambridge School Committee!
For those who don’t know, the Cambridge School Committee is a seven-member governing body of elected officials who set key school policies and determine the budget for Cambridge Public Schools. The committee aims to ensure that all students in the district receive a quality educational experience that meets both Massachusetts and community standards. It serves as a public broadcast forum for local officials, parents, students, and district stakeholders, so everyone has the opportunity to discuss educational issues and policies. If you want to take a stand, register online at the CPSD Website “School Committee Meeting” section and come to public comment! The committee’s goal is to enhance our academic journeys from enrollment to our graduation day.
Now, the real question: what is our role? While committee members are elected by the public, student representatives are elected by CRLS students. We understand the importance of our voices in shaping school policy and driving meaningful change that supports every student in their journey toward academic and personal success. In our new role, we hope to excel through transparency between the committee and the student body!
Recently, we’ve proposed some exciting projects we’d like to share with you guys but we also want your input! One of our goals is to encourage more funding for CRLS youth-led initiatives, making them accessible to all, especially underrepresented students in the district. Our new project endures the upcoming Participatory Budget! With $10,000, our project goes beyond simply voicing youth opinions—we can instill a greater culture of inclusivity and equity within the Cambridge Public School experience together.
We know you’re wondering where exactly this $10,000 will go. For the past few years, many have voted on budgeting policies for this allotment, such as:
- Stipends for students to participate in leadership roles, such as School Committee representatives, Cambridge Youth Council members, literacy leaders, etc.
- Distributing a “Vote Tote” to young people turning 18 that includes basic information about elections and helps with voter registration
- Distributing school supplies throughout the year with mid-year backpack replenishments and art supply lending boxes at the public libraries
We want to hear your honest and unfiltered suggestions on how our schools can improve! Your submissions will be included in our student climate report during meetings, as we urge school committee members to hear and address your questions or concerns.
To stay updated on the day-to-day of the Cambridge School Committee, follow our Instagram: @evazihaam4schoolcommittee
Contact us!
Zihaam Jama and Eva Asraf
[email protected] & [email protected]
This letter also appears in our January 2026 print edition.
