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UW-Extension outlines youth county-board program and flags upcoming staffing changes
Summary
A UW-Extension representative described a youth county-board program used in neighboring counties and offered to help Sawyer County pilot it; UW-Extension staff also notified the committee of a shared staff member's upcoming retirement and a pending hiring and strategic-planning process.
Laurie, a University of Wisconsin Extension representative, and a UW-Extension youth programs specialist described a youth county-board program used in nearby counties and offered to help Sawyer County pilot a similar initiative.
The Extension specialist, identified only as Emily, said students attend county board meetings, receive a name tag and a seat and are permitted to cast an advisory vote that “doesn’t actually count,” giving students a forum to express their views while adults hear youth perspectives. “They get to cast an advisory vote. The vote doesn’t actually count…But it’s kind of more so that they get to have that voice,” Emily said.
County board members and staff discussed logistical concerns and how other counties run the program. Emily described an application process that uses a Google form, a reference check and parental consent. She said some counties pay participating students ($50 in Washburn County and $75 in Burnett County). She also said some counties use alternates but that most now keep three primary youth representatives.
Laurie told the committee UW-Extension can help Sawyer County start a pilot and that she would share documents and examples from Washburn and Burnett counties. “I’ve got some of the stuff I had worked on before. And we’ll look at Washburn and Burnett’s and put it together for you,” Emily said when asked whether she would share materials.
Laurie also updated the committee on UW-Extension staffing: Kevin Shusho’s last day in the office was in February, and although his official retirement date is in September, he will be transitioning to a reduced role in the interim. Laurie said the position is shared between Sawyer, Burnett and Washburn counties and is based at the Spooner Ag Station, and that UW-Extension is adopting new hiring software and processes that will inform how the vacancy is filled and how the county’s needs will be assessed.
Committee members recommended keeping the youth-government item on future agendas while staff drafts a proposed application and participation rules. There was no formal committee vote on the pilot program at this meeting.
