Newberg SD 29J conducts largest-ever student representative interview pool; board to use matrix for selection

The Newberg School District 29J Board of Directors held interviews Tuesday with a record number of student representative candidates and outlined a selection process that uses a scoring matrix and follow-up calls before onboarding in August.

Board members said the district received more student applications than in prior years and thanked candidates for applying. The six candidates who spoke to the board introduced themselves, described leadership experiences—ranging from orchestra and sports captaincies to FFA and volunteer mentoring—and explained why they want to represent student voices to the board.

Director Byerly explained the process to candidates: board members will score written and interview responses using a matrix, the chair and vice chair will review notes and make selections, and staff will contact applicants. “I think then we’ll have the chair and the vice chair kind of take a look at those pieces and then make a decision,” Byerly said. The board plans onboarding in August and said principals and the superintendent will be available for student concerns in the interim.

Several students gave concrete examples of how they would bring student concerns forward, including using email to follow up and, where appropriate, raising issues during a board meeting. The board requested staff to call applicants to communicate next steps; applications are due Friday and selections will be finalized after the board completes scoring.

No formal appointment was made at the meeting; the board said it intends to complete selections and conduct onboarding in August.