Board outlines process to add ex officio student representatives under new state requirement

At a board workshop on April 8, Fairport Central School District trustees discussed a regulation to implement Policy 12-10 (school board elections and voting procedures) and the New York State requirement to have at least one ex officio student board member.

Board members said they plan to formalize the role in a way that balances student voice and support: the district—s draft regulation proposes two ex officio student representatives (one junior, one senior) who would attend public meetings and participate at the board—s discretion but would not have voting rights or access to privileged executive-session material. The board discussed mentoring and administrative support for the students and an application process that includes a nominating petition (10 signatures from grades 10—12), a blind-scored essay of up to 500 words and interviews of top candidates.

Why it matters: the change implements a statewide requirement and is intended to broaden student engagement in governance while preserving confidentiality rules and limiting responsibilities appropriate to ex officio status.

Discussion details: trustees debated the number of student seats (two to pair a junior and senior so the senior could mentor the junior), where petitions should be circulated in the first year (districtwide versus only within the high school), how to handle vacancies, committee membership for scoring essays (two to three board members, superintendent or designee, high-school administrator or designee and the outgoing student representative), and whether guidance counselors or another high-school designee should be allowed to serve on the selection committee. Board members also discussed marketing and recruitment, including a proposal for a short promotional video to run before the May/June application window.

Board procedure and timeline: trustees asked that the regulation accompany Policy 12-10 at the April 22 meeting so the board can adopt the regulation alongside or shortly after the policy first reading. Board members and staff said they aim to appoint student representatives in late summer or at reorganization if the timeline allows, and that they will use Monroe County School Board Association offerings to provide students additional training.

No student representatives were selected at the workshop; the board asked staff to draft final regulation language, add a sentence addressing replacement procedures if no applicants come forward, and return with a timeline for recruitment and appointment.