Board approves nonvoting student representative position

The Westmoreland County school board voted to establish a nonvoting student representative to provide a formal advisory link between students and the elected board. The board approved the measure after a brief presentation and a motion to adopt the proposal.

Miss Minor, who presented the proposal, said the position would be "a non voting advisory capacity representing the interest of the students of the Westmore County Public Schools" and outlined a selection process that favors rising juniors and seniors and includes teacher and counselor recommendations and an essay requirement. Middle-school student representatives would serve in an advisory role to the high-school representative and would be selected by their principal.

The policy sets expectations for character, leadership, communication skills and adherence to board ethics; student representatives and alternates would sign a code of ethics with the board clerk and superintendent. The board moved and seconded the proposal and recorded unanimous support at the vote.

The board noted an intent to begin the application process this school year, despite the policy's spring application window, so principals can prepare candidates before the school year starts. The board will announce application details and timelines once administrative procedures are finalized.

The board adjourned with the action taken; no additional conditions or implementation deadlines were specified during the meeting.