Ways to welcome student BOE members |
On Board Online • April 28, 2025
By Mark Snyder
Senior Leadership Development Manager
Having student school board members is an opportunity for school districts to help promising young individuals evolve into civic leaders, as well as improve local decision-making and develop a more collaborative board culture. To help create a welcoming, productive environment, and maximize the effectiveness of your student member(s), your school board should do the following:
Clearly define and explain the role. While not required by law, NYSSBA recommends the school board adopt a policy that highlights the process established for selecting a student member, the criteria for candidacy and their responsibilities, rights and limitations. The board should also explain the possibility and process for removal, as this is not in the law that requires the board of districts with high schools to have at least one student member. You can find NYSSBA Sample Policy No. 2245 and other information at www.nyssba.org/studentrep .
Prepare to operate a little differently. How will your school board adjust its meeting protocols to ensure the student is able to be an active participant? Will the student(s) have a regular opportunity on the agenda to make a report? How will information be shared with the student away from the board table?
What process can the student use to make a request to add an agenda item? Will any changes be made to meeting times? Does your school attorney think it is permissible for a student member to participate remotely, and under what circumstances? (The law is silent on this issue.) Anticipate and answer such questions before the student joins your board.
Develop an onboarding program. While there are no state-mandated training requirements, it is best practice for school districts and BOCES to provide resources and training opportunities to help student board members understand their responsibilities and role on the board.
For instance, a series of meetings with the board president and superintendent could answer questions and let students know what to expect before they join the board. Consider introducing the student board member to the board and district leadership in an informal setting and be sure to celebrate their appointment to the board at their first board meeting.
Assign a mentor. Consider assigning a mentor (preferably a board member) to check in regularly with the student.
Model civility in debate. Adult members of the board should be mindful of the student's presence, and handle disagreements and debates respectfully. Emphasize professionalism and courtesy and strive to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.
Encourage participation. Ask for the student's input first in board discussions, so student perspectives can be shared freely, without board member influence. If your board employs a "roll call" approach to questioning (in which board members are called by name to participate in discussions) ensure that the student is included as well.
Create a plan for evaluation. Regular evaluation and reflection are key to ensuring long-term success. As part of their self-evaluation, the board should reflect on how effectively they are including student voice in their decision- making. The student member may provide feedback on how well the board is addressing student needs or engaging with the student body. All parties, including the superintendent, should evaluate the overall impact of the student member and address areas where efficiencies can be made or improvements are needed.
For many school boards, the 2025-2026 school year will be the first time an ex officio student member is joining the board. There will, undoubtedly, be challenges and growing pains. Getting off to a good start by creating a welcoming atmosphere and reinforcing board norms and procedures will help to provide a comfortable transition, ultimately leading to stronger governance and better decision-making.