Schools

District 197 Seeks Student Representative

The West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan School Board is looking for a student voice.

A student could sit at the School Board table following a decision made April 10 to allow for an ex-officio student representative.

The board is interested in selecting a current sophomore or junior student to join the conversation, as well as an alternate.

Momentum for the addition grew after the Minnesota School Board Association conference in January, according to a briefing.

Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The student will have to apply for the position by submitting an essay and recommendations by April 25. Candidates will complete interviews with the district administration before selection. 

Principal Robin Percival said that the position is being promoted during daily announcements, and so far she has been approached by a student with questions about the position. 

Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the selected student will not vote, they will be a part of all board discussions except for closed meetings, which are usually reserved for contract negotiations and litigation.

A rationale drafted by Communications Director Susan Brott states:

"There have been many efforts of late to provide opportunities for parent and community voices to weigh in on the vision and operations of District 197 (e.g. SRAC, levy, budget, etc.). However, one of the most important voices, that of District 197 students, is often one that we do not intentionally solicit and is often more difficult to include. Nonetheless, the student voice, the voice of our primary customer, is a critical voice to have at the table."

Attendance is expected at all school-year regular meetings, but summer and special meetings are optional. 

Based on recent applications to the Minnesota School Board Association for a student representative scholarship program, at least 25 percent of districts in the state have a student representative.

The board voted unanimously to waive additional readings of the amended policy that will allow for a student on the board. A selection is anticipated May 5. 

Be sure to follow Mendota Heights Patch on Twitter, "Like" our Facebook page, and sign up for our newsletter, which sends you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on our site.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Mendota Heights