FARMINGTON — A revised policy was introduced to Regional School Unit 9 directors Tuesday that would allow four student representatives instead of two to serve on the school board in an advisory capacity.

The current policy calls for one junior to be appointed each year to serve a two-year term. Currently, senior Autumn Clair of Chesterville is serving her second year on the board. A junior who was appointed earlier this year resigned because of all of the extracurricular activities she was involved in, Superintendent Tom Ward said.

It is very hard for students to come to every board meeting, he said. Two students could work together, or if all four student representatives show up, that would be fine, too, Ward said.

If the policy is approved at the next board meeting on Jan. 12, 2016, two juniors would be appointed for this school year.

The board’s Policy Committee drafted the revised policy that underwent its first reading Tuesday night.

Most of the current language in the existing policy would remain the same. It reads, “The board endorses the concept of student access to the district decision-making process, to provide advice and opinions on matters of common interest, and to enhance communication and a sense of community with the Mt. Blue School District.”

Added to the policy would be the line, “Due to our interest in having consistent student participation at board meetings and recognizing time constraints, we will appoint two student board representatives from each (of) the junior and senior class(es).”

The students would continue to be seated with the 16 board directors and will be nonvoting representatives of the board. They may fully participate in meetings by questioning presenters and discussing issues.

A student representative may not make motions, second motions or vote on any question, but may have his or her positions noted in the meeting minutes. Student board members receive all material presented to the board, except those related to closed sessions or confidential material.

The terms would remain at two years. However, two members from the incoming junior class would be appointed each year in June instead of one. The terms run from July 1 to June 30.

If a vacancy occurs before the conclusion of a term, another student may be appointed to the board, following established procedures.

Student board members need to maintain academic standards to be eligible for appointments to the board. Standards include a cumulative GPA of 80, standards of behavior and citizenship determined to be of exemplary quality, and adherence to standards of membership, attendance and decorum.

A subcommittee of the school board will consult with the high school and Central Office administration to review applications for board membership. The subcommittee will recommend the student representatives to the full board, which will vote to either accept or reject the students.

Board Chairwoman Jennifer Zweig-Hebert of Starks believes it is a great opportunity to expose more students to the formal process of serving on the board, she said.

Ward was asked to check with legal counsel to make sure four student representatives could serve on the board.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net

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