Westbury board appoints Eli Hunt as student ex officio member
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Summary
The Westbury Board of Education unanimously appointed senior Eli Hunt as the district's student ex officio board member for the 2025–26 school year; he was sworn in and does not have voting privileges.
On Sept. 16, the Westbury Union Free School District Board of Education unanimously appointed Eli Hunt as the district's student ex officio board member and administered his oath of office. The board said the appointment implements a New York State requirement for a student representative on the school board.
The appointment covers the 2025-26 school year, from Sept. 16, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and was read into the record by the district clerk before the board voted. Trustee Robin Bolling moved to approve the resolution and Trustee Dickerson seconded; trustees voted aye and the motion carried unanimously.
The student, introduced by Board President Robert Troiano and sworn in at the meeting, briefly addressed the board after taking the oath. "I definitely feel that it was needed for someone in the school to really present a voice for the student body," Eli Hunt said, adding that he sees the role as "an honor to take this position and take this responsibility." The board noted Hunt will represent Westbury at the statewide student-members meeting the following morning.
During public comment after the appointment, a resident asked whether the ex officio student member has voting privileges. The district clarified that the position is ex officio and does not carry a vote.
Hunt then conducted his first official act at the dais, making the motion to approve the minutes of the board's Aug. 19 meeting; the motion was seconded and approved. The board recessed to other business after congratulating Hunt and his family.
The appointment was part of the public portion of the Sept. 16 meeting; the board had previously convened at 6 p.m. and held an executive session prior to the public agenda.
