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Board opts to have superintendent select inaugural student ex‑officio member for 2025‑26; application process to be used
Summary
Following discussion of six lawful selection methods, the Amherst Central School District board agreed the superintendent will select the first student ex‑officio board member for a one‑year term beginning July 1, 2025, using an application process and with plans to review the selection method in January 2026.
District officials briefed the board on a state requirement, passed in September, that school districts must include a nonvoting student ex‑officio member on the board by July 1, 2025. The board discussed six identification options spelled out in the law and agreed to a selection approach for the first year.
Nut graf: Board members debated whether the student should be chosen by election, by student government, by the superintendent, high‑school principal or the board. Several trustees said they wanted student input and an application process; because of the short timeframe for compliance, the board decided the superintendent will select the district’s first student ex‑officio member for the 2025‑26 term but will use an application and vetting process open to all eligible students.
The administration said the law requires a one‑year term (July 1 to June 30) and listed six possible identification methods: student council/student government selection; election by the student body; selection by the high‑school principal; selection by the superintendent; selection by the board; or selection by other high school groups. Board members discussed variations (for example, nomination or application followed by student voting) and agreed a blended, documentary application process would be used this year to vet candidates before the superintendent selects the appointee.
Board members also asked how the student would report back to the student body and suggested evolving duties and communication expectations over time. The board asked administrators to notify the student population about the 2025 selection process, clarify expectations and ensure the process is broadly available to eligible sophomores, juniors and seniors. The board agreed to revisit the selection method in January 2026 to consider a more student‑led approach once year‑one implementation is complete.
Decision: During the discussion, four board members expressed a preference for superintendent selection this year and the board moved forward with that approach. The board directed the superintendent’s office to run an open application and vetting process and to return to the board in January 2026 with recommendations about future selection methods.
Ending: The board then moved into an executive session to discuss a personnel matter; that motion was seconded and approved by a voice vote of members present.
