The Pickett County School Board will add a student member to its board for the upcoming school year.
Outgoing Director of Schools Diane Elder said a new law requires school boards across the state to involve students in the school board. Elder said the student would be a rising senior selected by school administration. Elder said school boards can either bring in an individual student or a student advisory committee.
“Most schools that I have talked to in the Upper Cumberland are going to do the one student board member,” Elder said. “And just remember that person is non voting. They will be able to voice opinions if asked.”
Elder said the student selected should be in good standing and be a good representative of the student body. The motion was approved unanimously.
After the meeting, Elder said she was unsure how much a student voice will impact the board.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had a student on the board,” Elder said. “So this will be a learning curve for everyone involved. The Board members plus Mrs. Robbins, since we’ve never had one before. But I think it’s an exciting thing.”
