Following a successful pilot program last year, the Manchester-Shortsville School District in the Finger Lakes has sworn in its first-ever student board members.
High School Principal Bryon George and Superintendent Chris Barnard worked together to develop a selection process, interviewing juniors and seniors for the two board positions. After careful consideration, seniors Randy Allen and Makayla Furman were selected to serve as Red Jacket’s inaugural Student Board Members. They were officially sworn in during the Board of Education meeting on October 17th.
“Swearing in our student board members is an exciting step for the Board of Education! Last year we piloted the idea of student representatives, and the experience proved to be valuable for all involved. Hearing directly from students is an important way we can ensure that Red Jacket provides the best possible educational experience,” said Board President Jamie Simmons.
So, what exactly is a Student Board Member? These students are full members of the board, sitting alongside the other board members, and empowering them to share their perspectives and engage in discussions in a more interactive way than the previous Student Board Representatives. Last school year, Student Board Representatives could only present information, but now Student Board Members can participate in the discussions that shape the district’s policies and decisions. While they are not permitted to vote or access confidential information, their involvement offers a crucial perspective in the decision-making process.
This initiative comes at a time when New York State has enacted new legislation, signed into law by the governor in September, requiring school districts to include student board members by the 2025-26 school year. Red Jacket is proud to be ahead of the curve, setting an example for other districts to follow. Currently, only about a third of school districts in New York State have student board members, with Manchester-Shortsville being one of the pioneers.
Board of Education Clerk Timothy Burns emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We always value student input as well as educating students on the democratic process, and having students on the board helps achieve both these goals.”
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