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Bill to require student trustees on CTC boards receives broad student support; state board seeks implementation rules
Summary
Senate Bill 5523 would require community and technical college boards to include a student trustee and ensure voting quorums include a majority of trustees; students testified in favor while the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges asked for implementation rules and an exception for executive sessions.
Senate staff briefed the Committee on Senate Bill 5523, which would require all community and technical college (CTC) boards to have a student trustee and require that a quorum for board votes include a majority of trustees present. The bill would also require that a student government representative be given the opportunity to provide an in‑person report at each regular board meeting for CTCs, regional colleges, WSU and UW.
State Senator Marcus Richeli, sponsor, said the bill aims to ensure students have "a seat around the table" and stronger self‑determination in institutional governance. Student leaders testified strongly in favor: Sean Beal, vice president for CTC student affairs at the Washington Student Association, said more than 60 CTC student leaders from over 20 colleges signed a letter of support within days, and Bellevue College and Edmonds College experience shows students are both willing and able to serve in trustee roles.
Student speakers — including current and former student trustees and student‑government presidents — described how having a seat at the board changes decision‑making and improves responsiveness to student needs such as class availability, campus resources and mental‑health supports. Several speakers emphasized that the average community‑college student is older than a typical college undergraduate and brings real‑world experience to governance.
The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges expressed support for the policy intent but asked the committee to consider two clarifications: an exception for student participation in executive sessions when litigation or confidential personnel matters are discussed; and a rulemaking authority that would allow the State Board to adopt uniform implementation guidance for recruitment, onboarding and consistent statewide practice. The State Board also emphasized the system’s priority this session is a sustainable operating budget.
Committee members did not take a final vote on SB 5523 at the hearing. Discussion between students and State Board representatives indicated staff would work on technical adjustments, including language on executive‑session limits and potential rule language to ensure a uniform approach across the system.
