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Board hears first reading to increase student representatives to up to four; debate over minimum-school representation continues
Summary
Board reviewed a first reading of Policy 1115 to increase student board representatives from up to three to up to four, discussed how many high schools must be represented and directed staff to place the policy on the March 11 consent agenda.
The Pasco School District Board of Directors held a first reading of proposed changes to Board Policy 1115 that would increase the maximum number of student representatives to the board from up to three to up to four. Superintendent Michelle Whitney said the change follows a recommendation from the superintendent's student action council and the student board representatives.
The policy retains a sentence that states student representatives "may be selected from any high school in the district; however, the students must represent at least two high schools." Board members debated whether to require representation from at least three high schools or to remove the requirement entirely. Director Phillips said a three-school minimum could "back us into a corner" if the applicant pool in a given year is small; President Brown said she is supportive of broad representation but also wary of making the requirement so strict that seats go unfilled.
The proposal also clarifies the advisory role of the superintendent's student action council: the superintendent will convene that council to provide advisory information to the board and student representatives are expected to act as liaisons. Whitney said the change formalizes long-standing practice in which student representatives participate in the superintendent's student action council and serve as liaisons.
Board members confirmed that, historically, principals have recruited applicants and that at least one board member participates in the interview process for student representatives. Whitney said both the policy and the associated procedure will be on the consent agenda at the board's next meeting on March 11. There was no formal action during the first reading.
Student board representatives in attendance spoke in favor of the clarified procedure language and of the student action council's advisory role, saying the changes made roles and expectations clearer.
