The Board of Education believes that it is important to include students’ voices in its deliberations. Pursuant to law, the Board will designate at least one ex officio student member of the Board for the purpose of providing regular and direct communication between the Board and the student body.
Good faith actions, mutual respect, and cooperative effort of all parties are essential to a positive and meaningful partnership and bringing about meaningful changes. The Board believes that an ex officio student member(s) will:
- provide students with an opportunity to express their voices, take ownership of their education, and impact Board decisions;
- provide for the Board and students a vehicle through which they may exchange information and learn from one another;
- provide an opportunity for students to gain experience with governance and leadership;
- broaden the base of information available to those ultimately responsible for educational decision making; and
- develop an environment that encourages inclusion, understanding, trust, and respect.
Position of Ex Officio Student Member(s) of the Board
As required by law, the Board will have at least one ex officio student member. Ex officio student member(s) will be entitled to sit with Board members at all public meetings and hearings, participate in other Board activities and responsibilities at the discretion of the Board, and may participate in training opportunities at the discretion of the Board, but will not be required to participate in mandatory training for elected or appointed Board members. Ex officio student members may request to participate in meetings remotely, and may be excused to leave meetings early, upon the approval of the Board President.
Ex officio student member(s) will NOT: be allowed to vote; be allowed to attend executive sessions or any other meetings or hearings not open to the public; or be entitled to receive compensation of any form for participating at Board meeting. Neither will they have the authority to call a special and/or emergency meeting of the Board; be considered a “member” of the Board for the purpose of establishing a quorum for conducting business; or be allowed to see or discuss documents or information regarding individual district personnel, collective bargaining negotiations, individual student records, or any other confidential matters.
Ex officio student member(s) will serve for a term of one (1) year, commencing on July 1 and ending on the succeeding June 30. Attendance at Board meetings is optional for the ex officio student members during July and August.
Specifically, ex officio student members of the Board are expected to:
- Bring a student perspective to the Board’s discussions;
- Bring student concerns to the Board’s attention;
- Represent the student body on the Board;
- Report back to the student body on the Board’s actions; and
- Solicit input from students on matters impacting the district, at the direction of the Board.
Qualifications and Selection of the Ex Officio Student Member of the Board
Ex officio student member(s) must have attended high school in the district for at least one year prior to selection. The selection process will take place at the end of the school year preceding the next term.
Ex officio student Board members will be selected by the Superintendent of Schools. An alternate ex officio student Board member will also be selected by the Superintendent of Schools.
All qualified students interested in serving as ex officio student member(s) are encouraged to apply in the manner established by the administration. The district will advertise the position of ex officio student member of the Board to high school students, as well as the method of applying for the position, well in advance of the deadline for doing so. The High School Principals will verify that the students meet the requirements outlined in this policy.
Additional Provisions
The ex officio student member(s) represents the student body, and acts as an example for the students of the district. Such students are expected to abide by all applicable Board policies including the student Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the position as determined by the Board. Ex officio student members may resign in writing to the District Clerk. The Board may also declare the seat vacant if the ex officio student member fails to attend three consecutive Board meetings without sufficient excuse.
If there is a vacancy due to resignation or removal, and there is no alternate, the Board will decide if there is enough time to select another student as ex officio student member(s) in accordance with this policy, and if there is not, will leave the position vacant until the next term begins.
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for arranging an orientation and training program for the ex officio student member(s). The Superintendent will establish procedures for the ex officio student member(s) with the Board of Education if necessary to implement this policy.
Ref: Education Law §§1702(3); 1709; 1804(12); 1901(2); 1950(2-c); 2109; 2502(10); 2552; 2553(1-a), (11)
Adoption date: June 23, 2025