Region VI President Gives Insight into Council Finances!

Hello! My name is Quincy Kissack, and I am proud to be serving you as your WASC Region VI President. I am currently a senior at Reedsburg Area High School, and have been involved in student council and WASC events beginning my freshman year.

When I attended my first student council meeting, I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Of course, there was the usual student council stuff: parliamentary procedure, committees, and even Homecoming. However, the council was immediately hit with the heart-sinking news that, due to poor financial record keeping, we were somehow thousands of dollars in debt.

Needless to say, our Homecoming that year was a frugal one. As was our Winter Carnival. And our Homecoming the next year, and so on. Finally, at about the end of my sophomore year, the number we saw on our treasurer’s reports was a positive one. I still remember the cheering and applause. These days, we have quite the surplus, making the same amount that we were in debt in a single dance.

How did we do it? Actually, it was remarkably simple-we did it ourselves. No more ordering expensive decorations. We made our own using old materials that we had piled up. Rather than hiring a professional D.J., we borrowed our school’s sound system and worked shifts using that.

The most important thing we did, though, was advertising. Posters were in every staircase, bathroom stall, and above every water fountain. The lunchroom buzzed with conversations about the festivities, many initiated by student council members. Above all, the members participated in everything rather than sitting on the sidelines.

Student councils everywhere should try to do these things, regardless of whether they face money troubles or not. I wish everyone the best of luck this year and following years in their council’s pursuits. Enjoy it!

Have a wonderful day!