At the beginning of every school year in Townsend Harris High School, every student is asked to purchase a new Student Union (SU) Card, provided by the THHS Student Union, which can be used for the rest of the year. SU Cards are distributed from the school and serve various purposes, including joining clubs, voting during elections, and funding student-led events.
The annual purchasing of SU Cards and the accompanying agenda has been a routine part of the year for students, but in recent years the price has gone up noticeably, currently standing at $18.
Senior Advisor Blayne Gelbman says, “Costs of everything have gone up, and apparently so did the operating cost from this company.”
Mr. Gelbman said that THHS does not receive as many funds to use for student activities as other schools might, which he says is another reason the cards are needed to raise funds. “The funds raised from this pay for the books and cards and then we allocate funds based on requests to help clubs, teams, fund field trips, etc.,” he said.
The increase in prices has led students to question how the funds are allocated. Sophomore Daniel Chin said, “I feel like $18 for a piece of paper isn’t justified. However, you also receive an agenda. The school should try to elaborate on the uses that the funding provides, just so that students are in the know.”
Though SU Cards are included in senior dues, senior Sahir Sadat remarked on the rising cost: “around two years ago during my Sophomore year, they were only about $12 for both the card and agenda so seeing as it’s nearly $20 now is definitely interesting to see.”
Responding to questions about the use of the funds, SU Treasurer Cristian Marroquin said “While raises in price are always going to be controversial no matter what, the SU’s #1 priority has always been accessibility for students, whether that be events or any sort of purchase, while simultaneously improving quality of school life. Prices are never raised unless there’s absolutely no other alternative.”
Cristian said that the money funds school-related events and activities: “We actively brainstorm how we can better allocate funds after expenses to improve the THHS experience for all and make sure that the more money we raise directly leads to certain improvement.”
SU Executive-at-Large Uma Hardeo said, “I would tell students that their money is going back to them as it’s being used to supply events, activities, and supplies for student use and for the school. They also do not have to buy an SU card. It is their choice. The money is given back to the students in various ways.”
Though $18 may seem a high for many students, Mr. Gelbman said: “Each year clubs come to us when they need supplies but are tight on fundraising. We have helped fund team jerseys. We offset grade level field trips. In the end, the point is to put the money back into student-centered events. We try to end the year with almost $0 left in the budget.”
Cristian said, “Everyone has their own definition of what constitutes as ‘fair’ but what we can undoubtedly promise is that you will always get what you pay for, especially when it comes to a school with a culture like ours.”
