Development and support of student involvement and leadership are important for our students, schools and communities.
For the past two years in Sedro-Woolley, we have had students serve as non-voting members of our School Board. Policy adopted in 2006 allows for two of our high school students to serve a one-year term, September to June.
In April the school board will interview and select one student and an alternate from candidates selected by Sedro-Woolley High School and State Street High School.
The student (or alternate) will be expected to sit with the board and participate in all board meetings.

Although the student will not have a vote, they can introduce agenda items through the superintendent as well as provide input on matters that come before the board.

Why have students on the school board?
It provides our students a chance to participate in civic government and to participate and learn about one of the basics of our democracy based society.

It provides the elected board with student input on matters. Often the “student voice” is not heard when policies and procedures are adopted that often affect the high school.

The student would participate and be a member of the Associated Student Body leadership team at their school as well as meet and communicate with school newspapers.

The student representative would meet with all school leadership teams in the district to communicate to them on their role, the role of the school board and issues and policies currently affecting students.

It helps connect our schools and the district together on all levels —community, staff, administration and students.

As we strive for continuous improvement with a clear mission and vision, relationships and communication are important.

Student involvement in local government on our school board helps raise our expectations for quality programs and instruction as well as provides accountability both to the students and our school district leadership and directors.

We look forward to 2008-09 when students again provide insight and expertise into the direction of our school district.

Mark Venn is the Sedro-Woolley School District Superintendent.