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Student to school board: You could use my perspective
by Joel Burgess, JBURGESS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
published April 10, 2006 6:00 am
REYNOLDS — Adam King looks to be an ideal school board candidate. He’s articulate, energetic and has a strong interest in education.
There’s one problem: King is 14 years old.
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For the Reynolds High freshman, though, that’s exactly the point. While he is younger than the minimum candidate age of 21 for school board, King believes the decision-making body could use his perspective.
“I just think it would provide students direct representation and let students have a voice in making rules that affect them most,” he said.
At the Buncombe County Board of Education’s last meeting, King proposed the appointment of a nonvoting student adviser and presented a petition signed by teachers and his school’s student council. He got a mixed reaction.
Members applauded his interest, but said there could be problems, such as what to do during closed sessions.
Board member Roger Aiken said members get enough student input from an existing advisory council and personal contacts.
“I have two high school students living in my house, so I get a lot of input,” he said.
King and others said the representative could sit out closed sessions. Also, a student present at every meeting would be a better representative than an advisory council that has less contact with the board, National Youth Rights Association Director Alex Koronknay-Palicz said.
“Good board members want to do right by students, but they really lack that personal connection. Having that student presence there helps affect policy in a really direct way.”
by Joel Burgess, JBURGESS@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
published April 10, 2006 6:00 am
REYNOLDS — Adam King looks to be an ideal school board candidate. He’s articulate, energetic and has a strong interest in education.
There’s one problem: King is 14 years old.
Advertisement
For the Reynolds High freshman, though, that’s exactly the point. While he is younger than the minimum candidate age of 21 for school board, King believes the decision-making body could use his perspective.
“I just think it would provide students direct representation and let students have a voice in making rules that affect them most,” he said.
At the Buncombe County Board of Education’s last meeting, King proposed the appointment of a nonvoting student adviser and presented a petition signed by teachers and his school’s student council. He got a mixed reaction.
Members applauded his interest, but said there could be problems, such as what to do during closed sessions.
Board member Roger Aiken said members get enough student input from an existing advisory council and personal contacts.
“I have two high school students living in my house, so I get a lot of input,” he said.
King and others said the representative could sit out closed sessions. Also, a student present at every meeting would be a better representative than an advisory council that has less contact with the board, National Youth Rights Association Director Alex Koronknay-Palicz said.
“Good board members want to do right by students, but they really lack that personal connection. Having that student presence there helps affect policy in a really direct way.”
This was in my local paper, I actually know this kid a bit cause of OzzyKP, he's really nice, I think he'd be a fine candidate, where do I cast my vote? Though I don't think the local politicians are going for it....
Thoughts?
ACK!
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