Junior Heather Day and sophomore Madilyn Greenberg have been appointed the inaugural ex-officio student members of the Minisink Valley Board of Education.
The Board approved their one year appointment to their roles at its June 18 meeting. Their terms of office begin July 1, which is the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.
“We’re looking forward to working with Heather and Madilyn and the contributions they will bring,” said Board of Education President Joseph Flaherty. “Student perspectives and voices are important. We believe their involvement will create an even more engaged learning environment for all our students and provide important insight to our Board. This is a great leadership experience for both and we will look to them to share important lessons about civic engagement opportunities and the important role of organizational governance to their peers.”
As ex officio student board members, Heather and Madilyn 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.
Heather, who will be a senior in the fall, will be the ex officio student board member with Madilyn, a junior this fall, serving as the alternate student board member. 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.
NOTE: Student board members are not 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, they are expected to comply with all Board policies and regulations in their roles. 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.
Here's some important information to know about Heather and Madilyn:
Why do you feel it's important to have a student representative on the Board of Education?
Heather: I feel it's important to have a student representative on the Board of Education because decisions made for students should have an input by students. The voices of students should be heard, and by having two students on the Board of Education, we can finally have our voices heard.
Madilyn: I feel it is important to have a student representative on the Board of Education because it provides the students with an opportunity to give input on how the policies that the board puts in place actually affect us and if we feel that they are working or not.
What do you want your peers to know about what you intend to bring to your role?
Heather: I want my peers to know that I want to bring about positive change for all with this role. My goal is for students and faculty to work together to be able to create a sense of mutual understanding and growth.
Madilyn: I want my peers to know that I am open to any opinions and will do my best to bring the most valuable of those to the Board. We all have different thoughts on the way our school runs and it is important for the Board members to know our thoughts and feelings.
What would you want the BOE and community to expect from you in your capacity?
Heather: I would want the BOE and community to expect me to help inform them about student life in the different buildings. I would give them my input on what many different clubs and classes have been recently doing within the community and the school itself.
Madilyn: I would like the board to expect to hear some new ideas and opinions that they may not have been aware of. As students, we are the ones affected by the decisions of the Board, and may feel differently about a policy or idea that may be put in place. It benefits everyone to hear new ideas about what is or is not working and how to adapt. As the older sister of two other students in our intermediate and middle schools, I have the knowledge of what is happening around the other buildings to be sure that I have as much information as possible when I bring up anything of interest to the Board.
What are the topics/subject matter you have a particular interest in that you plan to routinely share with the Board of Education?
Heather: I have a particular interest in many of the clubs here at the high school. I plan to give input on many of the community service events headed by clubs such as FBLA, Key Club, Youth Against Cancer, and NHS. As a member of many of the art programs within the high school, I would give input on what the band, chorus, and drama club has planned on their schedules.
Madilyn: I have particular interests in the safety of our schools, the academic programs we offer, as well as the music and athletics departments. All of these assets bring something special to our schools and should be used to continue the growth of our community.