For over a century, school boards have played a vital role in shaping education across the country, particularly on Long Island.
Their governance began in the early 1800s, as established by the New York State School Boards Association, when New York state created school districts and allowed citizens to elect boards of education responsible for levying taxes.
By the mid-19th century, these local bodies aimed to give citizens a direct voice in the education system. In the early 20th century, educator Jesse H. Newlon advocated for a separation of roles, defining school boards as legislative entities while positioning superintendents as executives. Over time, school boards have included parents and community leaders dedicated to the success of schools.
However, one group has often been excluded from this process: the students themselves. Despite being directly affected by board members’ decisions, students rarely had the opportunity to influence them.
Recently, the idea of including a student member on school boards has gained traction in New York, as districts recognize that students can offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within their schools.
This topic resonates deeply with me due to my personal experiences in high school. I attended a school that genuinely valued student voices and served as student government president, where I collaborated closely with the administration to implement meaningful improvements in our district. This role not only boosted my confidence but also provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of school governance, igniting my passion for advocacy and leadership.
Even though I wasn’t an official school board member, I understood the importance of having a voice in decision-making processes. My experience solidified my belief in the power of student involvement and its positive impact on shaping educational policies and fostering a sense of community.
Historically, student board members were required to be seniors, which limited representation from younger students with fresh perspectives. However, a recent law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul changes this requirement, allowing any student who has attended high school for at least a year to serve on a board. This broadens the potential for diverse representation and emphasizes that all students have valuable contributions to make.
Additionally, the law removes the requirement that a student member seat be authorized by popular vote. While student members cannot vote on decisions, they can still voice concerns, ensuring their perspectives are heard starting as early as age 14 or 15.
This development is a significant win for New York state education and Long Island. The new law encourages innovative thinking in shaping our educational system and fosters leadership and civic engagement from an early age. By involving students in discussions about grading policies, curriculum changes, disciplinary actions, and mental health concerns, we empower them to influence aspects of school life that directly affect them.
Overall, this is a fantastic opportunity for young voices in our community to be heard and valued. As an assemblywoman who proudly supported this transformative bill, I am excited about its potential positive impact on our schools and communities. This law is a major step in empowering students, and I hope it inspires future policies that further enhance their role in shaping their educational experiences and nurturing the next generation of leaders. I look forward to witnessing the contributions from these young board members.