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School committee restores nonbinding votes for student members, agrees to onboarding
Summary
The committee voted to resume nonbinding votes by the two student school committee members, a practice that began in 2021 and lapsed; members also committed to developing onboarding and legal review so students have training and clarity about the role.
The committee voted to resume nonbinding votes by student school committee members — a practice originally adopted in 2021 — and asked the Office of Legal Counsel to confirm the scope and permissible items. Member Weinstein, who co‑sponsored the motion, said restoring the vote recognizes student voice while legal review will ensure the practice conforms to rules.
Student members expressed appreciation and emphasized the importance of training and supports; the committee pledged to add onboarding similar to that provided to newly seated committee members. "These nonbinding votes provide another way to lift up student voice," a student member said during the meeting. The committee approved the motion and asked the rules committee and administration to clarify how votes will be recorded and displayed in minutes so the public can distinguish nonbinding student votes from committee binding votes.
