For the new 2022-23 school year, the Olympia School District Board of Directors will select high school juniors or seniors to serve as student representatives on the board for all schools with grades 9-12. The students serve in an advisory capacity at board meetings and may cast non-binding, advisory votes on motions before the board. They contribute to discussion by providing student insight and are encouraged to comment about policies, procedures and decisions that affect students. They also serve as a liaison for student leadership at their schools and report to fellow students about the work of the board and district activities.
Here is how the Student Board Representatives during the 2021-22 described their experience serving on the board:
"I loved being a student representative, the work was fulfilling. I'm glad that I was able to be proactive in our school system, witness firsthand the work that the district does, and be included in decisions that affect me and my peers." - Student Representative Michelle Pineda (Avanti)
"My time as a student rep has allowed me to learn about the way our district works from the inside, and I have experienced the policymaking process in a hands-on environment. The opportunity to contribute to discussions, hear from students and community members, and advise members of the school board and district staff has been an incredibly rewarding experience." - Student Representative Matthew Scott (Olympia)
Student representatives are selected by their high schools each spring to serve on the board for the following school year (July 1-June 30).
Recruitment for Student Board Representatives from all high schools including ORLA for the 2022-23 school year has begun.
Eligibility Requirements
Student representatives must be:
- Entering their junior or senior year at the time of selection and in good academic standing, and maintain good academic standing throughout their term. Selected students should also have a history of leadership and involvement in extracurricular and civic activities;
- Willing to communicate with fellow students about the activities of the Board and to gather input about issues facing the Board;
- Willing to commit the necessary time to attend meetings and perform the duties and responsibilities of a student representative. Board meetings are generally scheduled two evenings each month (2nd and 4th Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.), one monthly work session (1st Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m.), and a summer retreat in the month of August (1/2 day).
- The student representative is preferred to be a resident of the district.
The board continues its search for a student representative from Avanti High. Avanti High students who are in grades 11 or 12 this year are encouraged to apply for the open seat. Student representatives serve a one-year term on the board through June 20, 2023.
If you are interested, please fill out the application.
APPLY NOW! (Online Application)
Application Deadline – Friday, September 29 at 11 p.m. Application deadline may be extended if needed.
For more information about being a student representative, contact Emmie San Nicolas, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at [email protected], or call (360) 596-6114.
2022 – 2023 Student Board Representatives
- Avanti High School –Ali Owen
- Capital High School – Rahma Gaye (senior)
- Olympia High School – Christine Zhang (senior)
- Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) – Ru'ya Russell (senior)