Elevating Student Voice In K-12 Education Governance

WSSDA’s student representative network is the statewide hub for Washington youth serving as student board representatives on their local school board. Since its inception last fall, the network has been meeting every two weeks. The students have focused on building connections with each other, learning about K-12 education governance, and identifying issues and possible solutions related to their role on school boards.

As the culmination of the group’s first year of work, WSSDA is proud to announce a resource guide and set of recommendations for school districts that can support the ongoing work of student board representatives.

Facilitating the student networking group is Logan Endres, WSSDA‘s strategic advocacy specialist. “I feel so inspired by this dedicated, passionate group of students,” said Endres. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning and improvement is incredible.” 

Reflecting the shared experiences of the student representative network, the resource guide is intended to give student board representatives the information they need to be successful in their role. The list of recommendations is meant to inspire school districts to initiate or improve authentic engagement with student board representatives.

“As the people most impacted by school board decision-making, we’re grateful to have a seat at the board table,” said Sol Rabinovich from South Whidbey School District. “Our student representative networking group hopes that board-superintendent teams statewide will review the resource guide and recommendations to take action now.”

As a reminder, all seated student board representatives are invited to join the network. Contact Logan Endres at l.endres@wssda.org to learn more or ask questions.