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Board trims and clarifies student board member rules; directs staff to consult high school on academic credit
Summary
Trustees edited proposed student board member language, removing some petition and compensation provisions, keeping principal selection language and asking administrators to advise on offering service‑hour or CTE credit.
During the Feb. 4 study session the San Marino Unified School District Board considered CSBA recommended revisions to the student board member bylaw (Board Bylaw 9150). The board accepted several clarifying edits, removed a number of procedural provisions and asked staff to consult San Marino High School about academic credit or service‑hour recognition.
Staff described the CSBA language, which allows student board members to receive elective course credit “based on the number of equivalent daily instructional minutes” and notes mileage reimbursement language; presenters and trustees discussed whether that language was appropriate for San Marino. Vice President Gill and others expressed support for recognizing student board service, but the board did not adopt any monetary compensation language. Trustees discussed sinking the mileage/reimbursement language because regular trustees do not receive mileage for attending routine meetings; the board directed staff to strike or simplify the wording that could imply regular monetary compensation.
The board also debated petition language that would allow students to petition for creation or reinstatement of the student board member position. After discussion trustees agreed to strike the petition procedure and retain clear language that: a student board member “shall be selected by the San Marino High School principal” in accordance with board‑prescribed procedures. The board kept the one‑year term language but added direction that the term be consistent with the academic year (commencing July 1) and that a student generally serve a maximum of one term, while allowing the board discretion to adjust a term if a vacancy occurs.
Trustees discussed academic credit options (e.g., community service credit, CTE credit or a “0 period” arrangement) and asked staff to consult high‑school counseling and administration to propose a transcript‑safe option for student recognition. Staff will return recommended language after consultation with San Marino High School and the principal.
The board also removed policy language that would require student board members to serve on subcommittees and struck specific references to district‑funded training for students; they kept orientation and information‑sharing provisions. Several board members emphasized the need to protect students’ schedules and ensure that any credit or recognition would not inadvertently affect UC/CalState admission calculations.
