Starting July 1, all school districts in New York must include a student on their school boards. The student must attend their school for at least a year to be chosen as a representative.

There are several ways they can be chosen, including selection by the high school principal or superintendent, or election by the student body. Not only will school boards be required to have a student member, but BOCES governing boards will also face the requirement.

One Southern Tier district, Maine-Endwell, has given the senior class president a seat at the table since 2004.

What You Need To Know

  • New York school boards and BOCES boards will need to add a student representative by July 1

  • Students can be chosen by the high school principal or superintendent, or elected by the student body

  • Maine-Endwell has had a student member on the board since 2004

Liam Blanchard is juggling classwork and serving as senior class president at Maine-Endwell High School. He's also the student member on the school board.

"It's amazing. I get to be the voice for all of the students in the building and the younger buildings. So it's a big responsibility, but, it feels very good to be elected by my peers to serve them, and serve our community," said Blanchard.

"They’re our customers. That's why we're in business. We're here to deliver them a premier educational experience. And if we're not making sure that their needs are being met and we're not reaching out and seeking their voice at the table, it seems a little disingenuous," said Superintendent Jason Van Fossen.

The M-E teen representative has a voice, but no vote.

"Their opinion is still very valued and respected. And if we're not asking for it, we're missing a huge piece of not only the information that goes into our decision but also making them feel valued and heard," said Van Fossen.

"It's really a big deal that all schools are now going to have the participation of a student. I also think it's great for the students who are going to get to participate because it exposes them to government at a very young age and it allows them to sort of gain that maturity,” said Blanchard.

Blanchard, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall, has advice for districts across the state.

“Don't undersell the role on the board. They offer very valuable perspective. So, allow them to get involved," he said. "Make sure you engage them at the meetings. It's a little scary being a 17- or 18-year-old with a bunch of adults that are elected officials. So just engage them. Let them participate, because there's a lot you can get out of them."