By Christina Arlotta
After a recently passed New York State bill mandating student representation on school boards, the Freeport Board of Education unanimously voted “yes” at its Sept. 11 meeting to appoint a student onto the board.
For years, students in most school districts had little to no say on issues affecting their schools, unless they attended Board of Education hearings with their parents and spoke during public comment sessions about their thoughts. The newly adopted law is designed to change that. Signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in early September, the bill had widespread support in the State Legislature, passing the Assembly 145-0 and the Senate 46-13.
Freeport school officials strongly agreed with the governor and Albany lawmakers. “I’m excited about the possibility and the future of having a student sit on our board,” said Freeport Schools Superintendent Fia Davis, who joined the district in September. “I believe in elevating student voices. I say nothing about them without them. The idea that we could have a student who will keep their ear to the ground, and they come back to collaborate with us is exciting.”
Freeport School District Vice President Shuron U. Jackson thought similarly. “It’s an awesome leadership opportunity for students to have,” Jackson said. “We often talk about who’s advocating for students, but this is where they can advocate for themselves, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
The new law requires school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services to determine their own selection processes for student representation. Once ex-officio students, or students of reputable status, are appointed, they can begin to voice the opinions of their fellow students.
The student will not receive compensation, will have no voting rights and will be excluded from executive sessions and other non-public meetings. The legislation, though, does mark a new beginning for students to become more active in a school board’s executive process.
The law will take effect July 1, 2025. Currently, about one-third of New York’s 700 school boards and 37 BOCES boards have non-voting student members.
“We often talk about who’s advocating for students, but this is where they can advocate for themselves, and I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
Shuron U. Jackson, Freeport Board of Education Vice President
Freeport Board of Education members also discussed several advantages that could benefit student representatives. Not only would the position enhance their college applications, but also it would give students a practical understanding about the inner workings of public committees and school district services.
“I think it would be a great opportunity for whoever the young person is on any board to gain knowledge in knowing how the system works on their behalf, so that they can also consider down the road when they’re thinking of being on the board to help their community and their fellow students and staff,” said Scott A. Richardson, a Freeport School District trustee.
There were few critics of the bill. Brian Fessler, director of governmental relations for the New York State School Boards Association, relayed their concerns, without taking a position himself.
“Some had the perspective that moving to this particular format could upset a system that was already working well,” Fessler said. “It probably rubbed some folks the wrong way or made them feel like their systems of involvement for their district and their schools was not good enough.”
Freeporters at the Sept. 11 meeting appeared to support the idea, however. “For the student, I think it would be a great idea to see what grown-ups do and what grown-ups are looking at when making decisions for our children. They’ll be able to explain things that kids may not fully understand,” said David de la Llera, a local business owner. “Understanding budgetary constraints, understanding big picture thinking, understanding that there is a method to the madness. That’s invaluable for future endeavors.”
