The Minisink Valley Board of Education and High School are seeking applications for newly approved ex officio student board member positions.
These positions were approved at the Board's April 10 meeting and will be effective July 1, the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
Applications are due Thursday, May 15.
The Board of Education recognizes the intrinsic value of a student representative or representatives serving on the Board, to offer the unique student perspective as well as regular and direct communication between the Board and the student body.
"Student voices are important and we are looking forward to having greater interactions with students at our Board meetings," said Board of Education President Joseph Flaherty.
Principal Kenneth Hauck agreed, adding: "This is a wonderful opportunity for students interested in the governance process, the complex field of public education and serving as a representative of our high school student community."
An ex officio student board member will:
Provide students with an opportunity to express their voices, take ownership of their education and impact Board decisions;
Provide for the Board and students a vehicle through which they may exchange information and learn from one another;
Provide an opportunity for a student or students to gain experience with governance and leadership;
Broaden the base of information available to those ultimately responsible for educational decision making; and
Develop an environment that encourages inclusion, understanding, trust, and respect.
The Board of Education will have one ex officio student board member (student board member) who is a senior, and one alternate student board member who is a junior, effective July 1. The alternate student board member will perform the role of student board member when the senior is unable to attend meetings or perform other responsibilities. The student board members will be entitled to sit with Board members at all public meetings and public hearings of the Board and may participate in other Board activities and responsibilities at the discretion of the Board.
For example, the Board may permit the student board members to participate in training opportunities, but student board members will not be required to participate in mandatory training courses for elected or appointed Board members.
Important note: Student board members will not be allowed to vote; considered a member of the Board for purposes of establishing a quorum for conducting business or calling special meetings; allowed to attend executive sessions; privy to confidential documents or information regarding individual District personnel, collective bargaining, individual students, or any other confidential matters; or entitled to receive compensation of any form for participating at Board meetings.
Additionally, student board members are expected to comply with all Board policies and regulations in their role. The Board in no way relinquishes any of its authority, powers, prerogatives or responsibilities but, rather, adds to its membership non-voting student board members for the mutual benefit of the Board, the student body and the district.
Student board members will serve for a term of one year, commencing on or about July 1 and ending on the succeeding June 30. Student board members are responsible for their transportation to and from Board meetings and public hearings. While the student board members may attend all Board meetings, they will not be expected to attend Board meetings during July and August.
Qualifications and selection process
In order to be considered for the position of student board member, the student:
Must have attended Minisink Valley High School for a period of at least one full year prior to selection;
Must be a senior for the position of ex official student board member and a junior for the position of alternate student board member;
The two students serving as student board member and alternate may not reside in the same household;
Must be in good academic standing and have good attendance; and
Must demonstrate good citizenship in school.
How to apply:
Eligible students must submit applications to High School Principal Kenneth Hauck by Thursday, May 15:
A completed application (available at the high school main office which can be requested to be sent electronically)
A resume
Three letters of recommendation (at least one letter from a teacher)
A 500-word essay on why they want to serve as an ex-officio student board member
Mr. Hauck will create a selection committee, consisting of high school administrators, school counselors and teachers. The committee will select the students to be interviewed, will interview the students and make a recommendation for the positions to the high school principal. He will recommend the selected students for the positions to the Board of Education.
The committee recommendations and Mr. Hauck's selections are final and binding, and not subject to appeal. The Board of Education will formally appoint the selected student board members at the annual organizational meeting in July (or at such other time if a special selection process becomes necessary).
If the selected ex officio student board member resigns the position, is removed, or is no longer able to serve, the alternate student board member will perform the responsibilities of the ex officio student board member until a new ex officio student member will be selected in accordance with this policy, unless the Board determines there is not enough time to make the selection before the school year ends.