Student Board Members

When the Twin Rivers Unified School District was formed by merging the Rio Linda, Del Paso Heights, North Sacramento elementary districts and the Grant High School District, I had great hopes for improved communication.  So, it is a surprise to find that the Twin Rivers Board is ignoring one of the best and simplest means of direct communication with students - the student board member.  Generally, elementary school districts don't have student board members, which is the only reason I can think of for Twin Rivers not appointing a student board member - the board and administration came primarily from the elementary districts and may not` know about student board members.

Student board members generally are juniors or seniors in high school and are picked by members of the Associated Student Body (ASB).  The student board members do not vote but they report on ASB, ask questions, and weigh in on items that are important to students.  Over my almost ten-years on the Grant District board, I enjoyed the insight provided by the student board members.  And for the students, it is a great opportunity for leadership development and training along with being a plus on college applications.  So, when elected I plan to ask the ASB to vote for a student board member.  School boards promise to   focus on students - a student board member helps them keep that promise.