Board weighs expanding student ambassador role into student board members; two trustees to draft proposal
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Summary
Board members and student ambassadors debated converting the ambassador role into one or more student board member positions with a defined application process, mentorship responsibilities and possible advisory votes; two trustees volunteered to develop a draft proposal and consult students and nearby districts.
Trustees spent an extended portion of the meeting discussing whether to expand the district's student ambassador program into a formal student board member role that would bring students "to the table" for discussion and give them responsibility for gathering peer input.
Board members described multiple models used by neighboring districts — some use staff recommendations, others use open application and interview processes, and several districts employ one‑ or two‑year terms with alternates to ensure continuity. Proponents said student board members provide first‑hand perspective behind the data and can report on classroom and extracurricular impacts. One board member summarized the difference: ambassadors typically serve as liaisons, while student board members "sit at the table" and can be tasked with bringing peer feedback to specific agenda items.
Students who currently serve as ambassadors said they value the role and would welcome clearer expectations and tasks if the position is expanded. One student said having specific assignments and topic briefings (for example, to gather schoolwide feedback on a proposed cell‑phone policy) would make participation more effective and manageable around students' other commitments.
Board members raised practical concerns — meeting length and time commitments, selection method, term length and the need for mentorship. Suggestions included piloting a combined approach (retaining ambassadors while adding one or two student board members), staggering terms so a junior/senior pairing ensures continuity, and clarifying duties so students do not routinely sit through the entire meeting when not necessary. Two trustees volunteered to draft a proposal and meet with students and staff to return a recommended framework to the policy committee.
Next steps: Two trustees will prepare a draft describing selection criteria, term length, expectations and a pilot timeline; staff and current student ambassadors may be asked to consult on the draft before presentation to the board.
