Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
VSBA backs student representation but urges guardrails as H.640 would add voting student members to school boards
Summary
The Vermont School Boards Association told the House Education Committee that H.640 could strengthen student voice but raised legal, training and confidentiality concerns, noting available data show most student members now serve in advisory roles and that implementation will require clear rules and funded supports.
The House Education Committee heard Feb. 12 from the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) on H.640, a proposal that would require local school boards that serve grades 9–12 to seat four student members with voting rights (one per grade 9–12) and require boards serving grades 7–8 to include two nonvoting student members.
"As the people most directly impacted by board decisions, students bring insight, creativity, and honesty that can strengthen decision making and school climate," said Sue Zaglowski, executive director of the Vermont School Boards Association, testifying to the committee. The VSBA said it has long supported student participation and recently updated guidance and training to help boards include…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
