Board discusses expanding student representation after Albany conference; will meet with student member
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Summary
Following presentations at a statewide leadership conference, Hendrick Hudson board members discussed expanding the student-member role and creating a broader student advisory council; the board agreed to meet with the districts student member to clarify responsibilities and explore a sustainable model.
Board members returned from the New York State School Boards Association (NISBA/NYS event) and shared takeaways about stronger student representation and student advisory structures.
Several board members described districts they visited that field multiple student representatives across buildings, use an adult advisor (often an administrator), and hold onboarding retreats for students so they understand board processes and agendas. District presenters said those programs included a system of mentoring, student retreats, planned weekly or pre-meeting leadership briefings and student-led platforms shared with the school community.
Board members said Hendrick Hudsons current student member, Chloe (not in attendance), has a high-school focus; members discussed options to broaden student voice across K12 by building a student advisory council or providing additional student representatives with administrative and board mentorship. Members also noted operational trade-offs: some prioritized a concise, board-focused role for the student member while others favored a larger, advisory body that could gather broader student input.
The board agreed on next steps: a board member will meet with Chloe to review expectations, schedule constraints and the agenda-review process; administration will explore establishing a student advisory council and will return to the board with options. Board members also discussed whether the policy committee should review regulations or guidance for the student-member role after observing how the role works in practice.
Ending: The board asked administration to share resources from the Albany conference and to return with a report and recommendations, including a draft timeline for a student advisory council.