OSD to introduce two new student reps to the board

The Olympia School District (OSD) will introduce two new student representatives for the School Year 2022-2023 in the regular board meeting on Thursday, June 23.

OSD has not named the students yet,, but stated they are from Capital High School and Olympia High School.

"The board did not receive student applicants from Avanti High School and Olympia Learning School Academy (ORLA)," OSD stated, adding the application for student board representative for 2022-2023 SY remains open for both schools’ students.

OSD opened slots for four high school students from Avanti, ORLA, Capital High School and Olympia High School after the board of directors unanimously approved the amendment for Board Policy 1250 Students in Governing Board on June 9, 2022.

Board of Director Darcy Huffman said the amendment would seat one student representative from each OSD school enrolled in Grades 9-12 on the board of directors.

"The student members will contribute to board discussion by providing student insight and perspective, serve as a liaison for the associated student body, and report to students about the board's work and district activities,” Huffman said as she enumerated the responsibilities of student representatives.

Student representatives will not attend executive sessions, make motions or hold board offices. Student representatives may cast non-binding, advisory votes on motions before the board," added Huffman.

Recruitment for the student representatives for school year 2022-2023started June 12.

Outgoing student representative Matthew Scott thanked Huffman for revising the board policy on the student governing body that would allow future student representatives the opportunity to vote.