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Student-representative policy debated and pulled after committee concerns about selection method
Summary
A proposed policy to seat a nonvoting high-school student representative at committee meetings prompted mixed reaction. Supporters argued it would give students a direct voice; opponents objected to the selection method and meeting timing. The motion was withdrawn for further work.
A policy proposal to create a nonvoting student representative and liaison to the Cherry Hill Regional School Committee drew an extended debate on June 17 before the motion was withdrawn.
Member Jessica Purcell introduced the policy, which would allow a student to attend meetings, provide reports and serve as a liaison between the school committee and the student body; the student would not participate in executive session nor have a vote. Purcell said the high-school improvement team would be involved in selecting a student and suggested flexibility to allow two students to share the role.
Supporters said the position would give the committee regular student perspective; opponents raised concerns about selection method and the logistics of having a student sit at the committee table during late, lengthy meetings. Several committee members noted they supported student voice in principle but wanted the selection procedure clarified — several members recommended that the student be elected by peers rather than appointed by administration or SIT.
During debate a motion to approve the policy was placed, then pulled by the maker after members asked for amendments to the selection language. Committee members agreed the policy should return after additional work by the policy subcommittee to clarify selection and timing concerns. No final vote occurred.
