Benefits of Student Representation on Your Board
Presented by Riverview School District
Carnation/Duvall, WA
Why Student Reps on the Board
 For RSD, the timing was right
 Our superintendent had
previous experience
 The board valued input from
the students
 New opportunity for student
leadership
 Seemed like a good thing to
do!
More reasons …
 Elevates the Boards visibility with the students
and community
 Humanizes the Board – no longer the ‘evil’
bureaucrats. Student reps know the board as
‘real’ people.
 Students ask very thoughtful questions
 Helps the district and board achieve the mission
and vision of the district
The Nuts and Bolts- Policy
 Policy research
 Development of our
policy (2 reps: a Senior
and a Junior)
 Student Rep
Responsibilities
 Non voting members
 Oath of Office
Oath of Office
The Nuts and Bolts - Recruitment
 High School Students only
 Cedarcrest High School election of ASB and officers
first.
 Changes we would like to see in recruitment
 Adding more value at the HS for this role
 Student maintaining expected academic and social
standards
 Interview by 2 board members, superintendent,
student rep, high school administrator.
The Nuts and Bolts- Communications
 Student Reps become members of the ASB Advisory
Committee
 Conduit of information to the board from classes,
clubs, sports, ASB and students
 Students report bi-monthly during communications
what they consider newsworthy for the board
 Formal monthly report on the standing agenda (both
students report).
 Support district on bonds and levies
The Benefit to the Board
 Student voice has given invaluable input
 6 period day, health policy, foreign language,
technology.
 Increased civility of public on controversial issues
 Better interaction/connects with staff during
presentations
 Asking insightful questions
 Improved pubic relations
 Strong advocacy with legislators
The Benefit to the Student Rep
 Building future leaders
 Increased confidence in
presentations
 Strengthens
communication skills
 Better understand of the
consequences of
governance.
 .5 credit per semester
 Courtney Fields, Representative
Larry Springer and Josh Siegel
Student Reps honored
Our stories
They Graduate as Leaders
 Other rep grad pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
 How many hours of time do student reps put into
boardmanship?
 How do your students work with legislators?
 What things are student reps required to do?
 How have you improved your process for making
the student rep experience a good one?
 Who supervises students at conferences?
 What have you learned from student reps?
Need More Info – Please Contact Us
 schoolboard@riverview.wednet.edu