Today, I'd like to highlight and dive into the student representative to the school board proposal I would like Hallsville to adopt.
This was an idea I had at the National Young Leaders Conference more than 13 years ago. There, I was excited about the idea of serving as a student, in a nonvoting way on the school board. To me, it made sense: the school board is to be responsible to the taxpayers and ensure students receive a quality education. Why do school boards not hear from students? After a presentation, conversations with the Rolla Board of Education, this idea became a reality and I began serving in what MSBA (Missouri School Board's Association) said was the first student representative (advisor) to the school board in Missouri. Dozens of districts have since explored and implemented this policy since that time, and in Rolla, they are on their twelfth student advisor. How does this actually work? Here's the policy that Rolla has adopted. What do I think Hallsville should do? I would consult with high school administrators and students to find the best fit for us. Perhaps it's the junior or senior class president. Or maybe the best fit is for a separate selection process outside of any current system of student selection. If folks agree this is worth pursuing, we'll come up with the best policy for us at Hallsville. What value is this? To me, it's a huge value. Everything from budgeting to facilities to technology impacts the students. The board hears from administrators and often faculty, but I don't believe a direct line of communication from the students to the board exists currently. If done well, I think this could lead to being a more informed school board member when in a position to consider the decisions noted above or even adding/changing classes offered at the high school level. As important as the Board's benefit, this is a wonderful learning experience for an interested student. Allowing and empowering a student to learn and understand complex issues that are turn the cogs of elementary and secondary education is, I think, a wonderful thing! In addition, often times students may not get the full information as to why and how changes happen within their school -- and rumors begin! Our students deserve to be in communication with the Board and to be given the opportunity to provide input on decisions that will affect them. As always, I'm happy to answer questions and be in a dialogue with any feedback folks may have. Tomorrow, I'll discuss another big topic: Securing Hallsville's Financial Status
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AuthorHallsville resident. Foster Parent. School board member. Politico. Jesus Follower. Cardinals Fan #MizzouMade Archives
June 2020
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