ACS appoints first-ever student school board representative

There’s a new seat in the Arlington Community Schools board room, and this one belongs to a student. Arlington High School senior Abigail Cronau is making history as the district’s first Student Board Representative, a role designed to give board members a student’s perspective.

Selected by AHS Principal Chris Davis from a pool of 15 AHS seniors, Abigail will officially begin her role at the September board meeting. While she won’t cast votes, her role is no less meaningful. She will attend all public board meetings, offer input when called upon and represent the voices of students across the district.

“This was the hardest decision I’ve made all school year,” Davis said. “The students who created resumes, submitted applications and sat for interviews with me and Vice Principal Maroon were all highly qualified and each brought something unique to the table. Ultimately for us, Abigail stood out. She’s already a proven leader through our local Student Council, she currently represents Tennessee for the National Student Council Association and she clearly articulated her passion for educational policy. Throughout her interview, her answers kept going back to representing students, and that mindset really captured the spirit of this new role.”

A student with vision

For Abigail, the role isn’t just a chance to interact with board members - it’s a glimpse into her future. With goals of one day working at a state department of education, she plans to major in political science and education, then pursue a master’s in educational administration or policy. Her passion grew out of Youth in Government, where students simulate the legislative process by writing and debating bills at the state capitol. Just last year, she shadowed Dr. Dale Viox, a longtime ACS board member and past president of the Tennessee School Boards Association, at the annual TSBA Convention in Nashville, where she saw educational policy in action statewide. And as a child, she moved around the country with her family, giving her a unique perspective on how schools operate differently.

“I’ve seen what works really well for students, so I want to use this role to make sure every student in ACS feels heard, whether they’re in elementary, middle or high school,” Abigail said. “Although the student in this role doesn’t have a vote, I do think it’s a powerful way to showcase students’ viewpoints so that board members can consider it in their decision making.”

Superintendent Dr. Allison Clark praises Abigail for her intentional pursuit of opportunities that align with her dreams. “Abigail is actively putting herself in positions that will prepare her to make an impact in education and leadership one day,” Clark said. “That kind of vision and drive is exactly what we hope to cultivate in our students. The fact we have a student who recognizes the impact of public schools and wants to lead efforts to make them even better is amazing, and it gives me hope.”

A powerful new role

For many students, school boards are a mystery – a group of adults gathered around a table making big decisions. What’s really going on in there? That’s why Board Chairman Scott Benjamin sees the Student Board Representative role as more than symbolic; it’s a chance to pull back the curtain and bring students inside the process.

“We’re in full support of this role because it gives students an entirely new layer of exposure,” Benjamin said. “School boards can feel mysterious. Now, our students will see firsthand how budgets, policies and decisions are made. And as board members, we’ll have the chance to hear directly from a student, which is invaluable as we shape the future of our schools.”

Benjamin added that while the representative won’t vote, the board expects to engage the student in discussion. “Why have someone in the seat if we don’t ask for their insight? I think it will be natural for us to turn to Abigail and hear her perspective.”

As the district’s first Student Board Representative, Abigail will set standard for those who will follow. Davis said that was an important factor in the decision. “She’s levelheaded, respected by her peers and deeply committed to this work,” he said. “We needed someone who could set the tone for what this role should be, and Abigail is that person.”

It’s a responsibility that will play out in real time at monthly board meetings. And while the weight isn’t lost on Abigail, she sees just as much opportunity as responsibility.

“I think this role can show that students can lead, that we can contribute and that we can help shape the schools we love.” - Abigail Cronau, AHS Class of 2026

More About Abigail Cronau

Beyond her new role with the ACS School Board, Abigail Cronau has built an impressive record of leadership and involvement at Arlington High. A 4.64 weighted GPA student with a 32 ACT, she balances academics with a wide range of activities, from playing viola in the Symphony Orchestra to serving in Student Council, National Honor Society, French Honor Society and Youth in Government. She’s co-founder and president of Crafts for a Cause and this year represents Tennessee on the National Student Council. As AHS Student Council Vice President, Abigail also organized the first district-wide Make-A-Wish grant surprise in 2024. Watch her in action here as the district made John Paul's wish come true.

Abigail's leadership has earned her recognition as a TASC All-Star, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a two-time All-West Orchestra musician. Whether presenting workshops to student council leaders or knitting hats for local homeless shelters, Abigail has shown a commitment to service, leadership and creativity that reflects the very best of Arlington High School and Arlington Community Schools.