Rising MNPS high school juniors have a chance to represent their fellow students on the Board of Education next year as the search for the next Student Board Member begins.
The application is now open for current sophomores who will be juniors in 2022-23. Applicants should be prepared to serve in the position for two years, ending when they graduate in 2024.
The student who is selected will succeed Angelie Quimbo, a Hillwood High School senior who will graduate in May. The other current Student Board Member, junior Abenezer Haile, will continue to serve as he moves into his senior year at Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet High School.
“The school board exists to meet the needs of the students. Student voice has always been significant, and this is an opportunity for the youth to finally bring light to issues that are most significant to the student body of the district,” Quimbo said. “Serving on the board as the first senior student representative has been a great honor. I know whoever fills this position for the upcoming year, and years to come, will fulfill this role with the consideration that all students are being represented.
Important Dates
- Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, May 13. Applicants must sign in with their MNPS email address and submit it on the application form.
- The student’s first Board meeting will be in September.
About the Student Board Member Position
MNPS seeks applications from rising juniors to serve as a Student Member of the School Board. Student members serve as a bridge between the Board of Education and the student body. Student members will join the nine elected board members in policy discussions to ensure the student voice is accounted for in all decisions. Student members will participate in all Board activities except for Executive Committee sessions and will have the opportunity to offer a voiced opinion before every vote. They’ll also be able to bring up issues of importance for discussion among the Board.
There will be two student members, one junior and one senior. Student Board Member terms will run from August 1 of their junior year to May of their senior year, with onboarding taking place in August before the first Board meeting in September.
Rising juniors will serve for two school years. Student Board Members will receive onboarding training and regular and end-of-year feedback for development.
Student Board Members represent the interest of their constituents – the MNPS student body – and will be supported by MNPS central office staff and a Board Member Mentor.
Required Qualifications
- Be a rising junior for the 2022-2023 school year
- Commit to serving as the student representative for two academic years
- Be enrolled in an MNPS high school during your term
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA or evidence of improved academic performance; good standing in regard to academics, behavior and attendance
- An interest in government, public service, policy and/or education
- Be prepared for and able to attend two board meetings a month (currently scheduled every other Tuesday evening) and related committee meetings
- A strong commitment to student success and well-being
- Willingness to learn and grow, work cooperatively, take initiative, express opinions respectfully and listen attentively to others
- Time management skills, including the ability to balance board duties and academic and extracurricular responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
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Leadership experience.
- Strong communication, critical thinking and organizational skills
- Comfortable with public speaking
- Basic understanding of school boards and legislative process
Responsibilities
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Represent all public school students within the district
- Attend and provide student opinions at School Board meetings, except at special and executive sessions
- Review and analyze the information packet provided prior to each Board meeting. Information packet may include meeting agenda, minutes, background information, budget and legislative documents, presentations and reports.
- Report major updates, including but not limited to student affairs and proposals, school activities and educational issues, to School Board
- Ability to maintain confidential documents
- Understand that all communication with stakeholders (email, personal and official social media, conversations, etc.) is public and reflective of MNPS as a whole
- Serve as the liaison between the School Board, the Student Cabinet of the Director of Schools and the student population
- Collaborate with the other Student Board Member
- Serve on selected School Board Committees
- Participate in Student Board Member recruitment, training programs, evaluation activities and selection process
Compensation
Student Board Members may receive service learning hours or community service hours. Student Board Members are also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses (travel, meals, etc.) incurred while engaged in Board business. Student Board Members may receive a letter of recommendation from the Chair of the School Board for scholarships or college applications, depending on completion of their duties.
How to Apply
Applications from rising high school juniors are due Friday, April 29, at 5 p.m.
Use the online application form and remember to sign in with your MNPS email address and submit it on the application form instead of an address with Gmail or another provider.
Include the following information/materials for review:
- Responses to general questions
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Names and contact information of two people (not family members) who can recommend you
- Activities list/resume
Email Board Member Gini Pupo-Walker or Board Member Emily Masters if you have any questions.
If you are selected to move on to the second round, you will be notified via email about scheduling an interview. Thank you for your interest and your willingness to serve.