As required by law, the Board will have at least one ex officio student member. Ex officio student member(s) will be entitled to sit with Board members at all public meetings and hearings, participate in other Board activities and responsibilities at the discretion of the Board, but will not be required to participate in mandatory training for elected or appointed Board members. Ex officio student members may be excused to leave meetings early, upon the approval of the Board President.
Qualifications and Selection of the Ex Officio Student Member of the Board
Ex officio student member(s) must have attended high school in the District for at least one year prior to selection.
The Superintendent will develop a process for the selection of the ex officio student member to the Board and will be responsible for selecting the student and an alternate.
Ex officio student member(s) will serve for a term of one (1) year, commencing on July 1 and ending on the succeeding June 30. Attendance at Board meetings is optional for the ex officio student member during July and August.
Specifically, ex officio student members of the Board are expected to:
Bring a student perspective to the Board’s discussions;
Bring student concerns to the Board’s attention;
Represent the student body on the Board;
Report back to the student body on the Board’s actions; and
Solicit input from students on matters impacting the District, at the direction of the Board.
Ex officio student member(s) will NOT: be allowed to vote; be allowed to attend executive sessions or any other meetings or hearings not open to the public; or be entitled to receive compensation of any form for participating at Board meetings. Neither will they have the authority to call a special and/or emergency meeting of the Board; be considered a “member” of the Board for the purpose of establishing a quorum for conducting business; or be allowed to see or discuss documents or information regarding individual District personnel, collective bargaining negotiations, individual student records, or any other confidential matters.
Additional Provisions
The ex officio student member is expected to abide by all applicable Board policies including the student Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the position as determined by the Board. Ex officio student members may resign in writing to the District Clerk. The Board may also declare the seat vacant if the ex officio student member fails to attend three consecutive Board meetings without sufficient excuse.
If there is a vacancy due to resignation or removal, and there is no alternate, the Board will decide if there is enough time to select another student as ex officio student member in accordance with this policy, and if there is not, will leave the position vacant until the next term begins.
The Superintendent or designee is responsible for arranging an orientation and training program for each ex officio student member. The Superintendent will establish procedures for the ex officio student member with the Board, if necessary to implement this policy.
Ref: Education Law §§1702(3); 1709; 1804(12),; 1901(2); 1950(2-c); 2109; 2502, 2552; 2553(1-a), (11)
Adoption date: June 2, 2025