Bill to give voting seats to Student Advisory chair and Teacher of the Year draws mixed testimony

The House Committee on Education heard testimony April 1 on House Bill 5839, which would add the chair of the Student Advisory Council and the Rhode Island Teacher of the Year as voting members of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education.

Supporters, including the bill sponsor Representative David Morales and the National Education Association, said the two additions would bring merit‑based, current classroom and student perspectives to the council’s deliberations on policy and budget priorities. Morales said both representatives earn their positions through a competitive process and peer recognition rather than gubernatorial appointment, and that giving them voting power would ensure authentic representation of those most affected by K–12 decisions.

Opponents including Andy Andre (testifying in opposition) and written testimony submitted by some student representatives argued that mandating voting status for those two seats would impose substantial time and quorum burdens on students who already balance multiple school commitments. Opposition witnesses urged preserving the current advisory role that allows students to participate and report back to their peers without the duties and attendance pressures of a voting member. The Department of Education’s staff previously expressed concerns about potential liability and other issues, but witnesses cited Article III of the council’s bylaws, which committee counsel said provide protection to members from being sued.

The National Education Association told the committee that the Teacher of the Year is a respected, rigorous selection and would provide an educator’s voice on the council if the bill passes. Written testimony in support was also filed by Secretary of State Gregg Amore and the former chair of the Rhode Island Student Advisory Council.

Committee members asked about appointment mechanics (the governor makes council appointments) and whether the addition of two voting members would change quorums or the council’s operational dynamics. Opponents warned that mandating voting status for busy students could reduce their ability to participate fully or force them into difficult scheduling choices. The committee voted to hold HB 5839, along with the other bills on the agenda, for further study; no final action on the measure occurred at the hearing.

Witnesses and written testimony recommended the committee consider either preserving advisory status for students or including safeguards—such as clear attendance expectations, support structures, and confirmatory review through the advice‑and‑consent process—before granting voting authority.