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RSU 15 board considers pilot to add student members to the board
Summary
Board members discussed piloting one or two student board representatives (junior and senior model) to provide direct student perspective; members supported a pilot with training and possible fall implementation, and recommended drafting policy after a trial year.
The RSU 15 board discussed creating a student board membership pilot at its April meeting, with broad support from board members and the superintendent.
The proposed approach discussed was a two-student model (a junior and a senior), potentially serving staggered two-year terms so a junior could continue when a senior graduates. Dr. Turner described past experience with student representatives at her previous district and called the practice "a very powerful perspective at the table" for decisions that affect students.
Board members raised structure and logistics questions: whether student members would be voting or advisory, how to ensure geographic representation (for example between townships), and how to provide training and mentorship so students could engage with complex topics such as budgets. Hunter suggested students should attend conferences if the district adopts student membership and emphasized training/support. The chair suggested piloting in the coming school year—using student government to identify candidates—and drafting a final policy after collecting feedback from a pilot.
No formal vote was taken; the board directed staff to explore a pilot model, engage high school administration on timing and support, and return with recommendations and potential policy language during the next policy cycle.
