Midterm appointments for ASB and commissions a smarter idea

Pick a commission, almost any commission, and look deeply to see what's going on.

A couple of the commissioners will likely be doing most of the work; some help out when asked; others rest on their laurels and won't work even if prompted.

This dynamic is created by a flawed appointment process, a surefire formula for a complacent commission.

Traditionally, commissioners for the next school year are chosen at the end of the current school year by the new ASB officers. These yearlong appointments lock in officers’ positions, and sometimes also their complacency and incompetence.

The current system allows for a continuous pattern of apathy, creating a school with subpar commissions unable to fully complete their duties. This reflects poorly on the ASB who appointed them, leading to students losing faith in their government to function efficiently.

To prevent this from happening, the school should have midterm commission appointments after the start of the school year. Although a total lack of job security is unwanted, the mere threat of being removed or replaced will keep people alert throughout their entire term.

If this system is enforced, then the new commissioners would have the needed motivation to start better organizing their assigned school-wide activities and events: elections commission with transparency, rally commission with more frequent rallies, etc. This would also put pressure on these officers to make sure that these are quality events and that serious effort was put into them rather than hosting one just because they feel obliged to. 

These much-needed changes would bring positive results. With a more involved student government comes greater school spirit, something the school could use a little bit more of. An added bonus of midterm commissioner appointments is an increased participation in student government. 

While those who were not fulfilling their job are removed, opportunities open for others. These opportunities provide further involvement in school enterprises so that someone who would be committed is given the chance to prove themselves.

Some may think that having officers step into positions at the end of the previous school year is better because it is easier to organize for the next year. Yes, it may be easier, but is it effective? The commissioners are in no way accountable for their actions (or in more cases, inaction) throughout the entire year.

With a new system, the commissioners will be held accountable because their performance will be evaluated midway by the ASB officers. Through this process, the ASB would be given a chance to weed out those who would bring down the commissions by their inactivity.

Whatever the case, the school must do something to ensure an efficient bureaucracy, one that improves school spirit and student body participation so we can grow and live up to our label as the best high school in America.