It is no secret that Student Council representative candidates have many ideas to help improve the school. Though, the validity of these ideas are up for the average voter to determine. It is true Student Council has a huge impact on Harriton’s funds, events, communication with students and protection of student’s rights; but to understand each candidates proposals, Harriton student’s must first understand the powers of each officer. The improvement and growth of Harriton is very possible, but Harriton students must realize that even the officers have authority figures they must answer to. Such figures can inhibit candidates from enacting some of the policies they advocated for in various Student Council advertisements.

Though each and every candidate is a reliable and competent figure that would work hard to achieve the goals of the student body, some of those goals are simply unreachable. Thus, Harriton is subjected to unjust elections, in which council members make promises they are (hopefully) unaware they cannot keep. Before electing an appropriate official, the Harriton student body must fully understand the responsibilities and powers of each student council head.

President

The president, being the chief executive officer of Student Council, is responsible for scheduling monthly council meetings, overseeing committees and actions of other officers and member, enforcing by-laws and conducting officer elections. The president has the ability to attend school board and school council meetings, in addition to standing up for student’s rights throughout Harriton. It is important to note that though the president does have access to the school board, they are unable to control the overall outcome of school board meetings or make certain school decisions, meaning that even the president’s overarching powers may not be able to reinstall the undying dream of free RAM or attain the elusive all-day breakfast table.

Vice President 

The vice president is chair of the events committee, creating and overseeingexciting events at Harriton. This chair is famous for running a smooth Mr. Harriton. Such an official is responsible for presidential duties, if the presidential is ever sick, and capable of working with the president to oversee committee activities.

Secretary 

The secretary is responsible for communications throughout Harriton. They write announcements, advertise events, decorate for pep-rallies and take attendance and notes during student council meetings. The secretary is responsible for keeping the student body informed of the actions of Student Council.

Treasurer 

The treasurer is responsible for establishing a budget for the Student Council, maintaining records of income and expenses, running fundraisers and overseeing the finance committee. They are also in charge of the cookie grant, which allocates money to new clubs.

Sergeant-at-Arms 

The sergeant-at-arms is the chair of the internal planning committee. They regulate Music Fridays, in addition to setting up the student council icebreaker, which includes community service and team bonding aspects.

Naturally there are no clear boundaries between the officers, but each position comes with specific powers and responsibilities. Understanding what the candidates have the responsibility of doing, in addition to the power they possess in completing their goals, is important before casting a vote for such positions.