PEARLAND, Texas – A group of Pearland ISD students are taking their voices to the Texas Capitol, stepping out of the classroom and into the world of politics.
The students from Pearland High School, Dawson High School, Pearland Junior High South, and West High School will visit ten legislative offices on Wednesday, presenting a list of priorities they developed through months of research and discussion.
One of their top concerns is school meals and nutrition. Students are advocating for increased state funding to ensure all students have access to nutritious meals, regardless of family income.
“I think that that’s very important for students—they need to have the opportunity to get free meals or reduced lunch. People paying other bills may not have money to feed their kids. And even if they’re just a dollar above the limit, they can’t qualify for assistance. That’s why this is so important,” said Rush Williams, a Student Ambassador from Dawson High School.
Students are also pushing for STAAR testing reform, proposing a system that reduces pressure and better aligns with classroom learning. Additionally, they want GPA standardization across Texas, particularly for Dual Language and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, while maintaining flexibility for local school districts.
Financial literacy is another major focus. The students propose making a financial literacy and life skills class a graduation requirement, teaching essentials like budgeting, taxes, and credit management.
Another pressing issue for students is the need for Child Protective Services (CPS) officers on school campuses. They argue that having CPS officers on-site could provide a more immediate response to students in need.
“Right now, school counselors are required by law to report to CPS, but sometimes things get lost in translation,” said Claire Fredrickson, a Student Ambassador from Dawson High School. “If we had a CPS officer on campus, students could go to someone they know has the authority to help. It cuts out the middleman and ensures faster intervention.”
The students are also weighing in on the debate over cellphone use in schools, advocating for policies that balance technology integration without resulting in a complete ban or burdening teachers with enforcement responsibilities.
The students are not shying away from controversial topics. They are taking a stand against bans on AP coursework, arguing that restrictions on advanced academic programs limit learning opportunities. Additionally, they are fighting censorship in sexual and gender education, pushing for comprehensive health education free from state-imposed restrictions.
“It’s an exciting opportunity,” Fredrickson added. “You can look at statistics all day, but hearing directly from students—who are currently living these experiences—can offer lawmakers a fresh perspective. We’re still here, and our voices matter.”
Pearland ISD Superintendent Dr. Larry Berger says the experience is invaluable, giving students a firsthand look at the legislative process and the impact civic engagement can have.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to experience the legislative process firsthand and make their voices heard. We are immensely proud of their dedication and their commitment to advocating for meaningful change,” said Dr. Berger.
As they meet with lawmakers today, the 14 students hope their priorities will translate into action, influencing policies that shape Texas education for years to come.
