Student Voice at the Board Table

Why include student representatives? Student representatives add energy, fresh perspectives, and direct connections to the student body. Their involvement helps boards:

• Understand student concerns.
• Model democratic participation and governance.
• Build a positive school climate.
• Provide civic learning opportunities.
• Grow future leaders through authentic leadership experiences.

What Student Representatives Can Do

• Attend open meetings and receive open session materials.
• Share student ideas and perspectives.
• Serve on committees.
• Represent students at board functions.

What They Cannot Do

• Vote.
• Join closed/executive sessions.
• Access confidential personnel or discipline matters.

IASB Can Help

Use our resource, Student Voice at the Board Table, to guide your board and superintendent in developing a clear, purposeful framework for meaningfully incorporating student voice into the governing of public schools.