Middletown board appoints Nippur Patel and Eden Lugo as ex officio student members; both sworn in

The Enlarged City School District of Middletown Board of Education on Aug. 21 appointed Nippur Patel and Eden Lugo as ex officio, nonvoting student board members for the 2025–26 school year and administered the oath of office.

The board approved the appointments by voice vote after a motion moved by Pastor Williams and seconded by Mr. Rhett; the vote carried 9–0. President Estrada then asked both students to come forward and District Clerk Kevin administered the oath.

Nippur Patel, who said she will be a senior this fall, told the board she is “very passionate in being involved with this school community.” Patel added, “I really like being involved with different things, like having my own club or being, recommended for many ambassadors as well as trying out for a student representative. I just really just like to be involved in the community.”

Eden Lugo, also identified as a senior, said, “I am also a senior in Middleton High School. I just wanna say I'm very blessed and appreciated for this opportunity, and I'm ready to make this school year 1 to remember.”

Board members welcomed the student representatives and noted the district will provide process orientation and establish communication procedures for the student reps. Superintendent Creedon and board leadership said student communications with members outside of public meetings should go through the district clerk to avoid the appearance of impropriety.

After the oath and brief remarks, the board invited the students and their families to refreshments in the college-and-career area. The board moved on to action items and later adjourned into executive session.