Sara Hamdaoui, a rising senior at Crofton High School, will be sworn in as the 53rd Student Member of the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. in the Board Room at the Carol S. Parham Building in Annapolis.
Hamdaoui will succeed Brayden Morgan, a Glen Burnie High School graduate whose term ends June 30. As the second SMOB from Crofton High School, she will serve a one-year term with full voting rights, a distinction unique among student board members nationwide. Anne Arundel students have held a seat on the board since 1974, gaining full voting rights in 1975.
During her term, Hamdaoui plans to strengthen student voice through better communication and expanded opportunities for input in decision-making. She also aims to equip students with the tools to advocate for themselves and to prioritize supportive school environments through mental health resources, wellness education and consistent policy implementation.
Hamdaoui has been actively involved in student leadership. She has served on the countywide Superintendent’s Teen Advisory Council and Crofton High School’s Principal Advisory Council. She is president of the school’s French Honor Society and a member of the Key Club and National Honor Society. She has also served on the Executive Board of the Student Government Association and has been active in CRASC and the Maryland Association of Student Councils.
Since June, she has co-led a team for Work2BeWell, a nationwide organization focused on improving access to mental health tools and resources. She has also co-chaired the Communications Committee for the school district’s Student Service Leadership group, which informs students about service and volunteer opportunities.
Hamdaoui’s older sister, Hafsa, served as SMOB during the 2024-2025 school year, making the Hamdaoui sisters consecutive student board members. Their involvement highlights the value of family and school encouragement in developing student leaders.
The Student Member of the Board position provides a direct voice for the more than 80,000 students in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The role involves attending board meetings, participating in discussions and voting on issues that affect students, including budget, policy and curriculum matters. The unique voting rights allow the SMOB to influence decisions that shape the educational experience for peers across the county.
For residents of Southern Maryland, particularly those in Charles County bordering Anne Arundel, the appointment is of regional interest. Many families have connections across county lines through work, school choice or shared community activities. Strong student leadership in neighboring districts can influence broader educational conversations in the region.
The swearing-in ceremony will be broadcast live on AACPS’ YouTube channel and on AACPS-TV. A list of all previous SMOBs and additional information about the position is available on the AACPS website.
The role of student board member has evolved since its creation, reflecting changing views on student involvement in governance. Today’s SMOBs are expected to bring authentic student perspectives to complex policy discussions while balancing their own academic and extracurricular responsibilities.
Hamdaoui’s background in honor societies, student government and mental health advocacy positions her to address issues such as wellness, equity and engagement. Her experience with countywide advisory groups will help her represent diverse student voices effectively.
The appointment comes at a time when Anne Arundel County Public Schools continues to navigate post-pandemic challenges, including mental health needs and academic recovery. Student input through the SMOB position can play a valuable role in shaping responsive policies.
For families in Southern Maryland, the event underscores the importance of student leadership development and the connections between neighboring school systems. Hamdaoui’s term will provide an opportunity to observe how student perspectives influence decision-making in a large, diverse district.
