Training, Mentorship, and Compensation

Student School Board Members will receive an orientation from staff and board directors and will be paired with a School Board Director mentor for ongoing support.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in outside training, such as through the Washington State School Directors’ Association. 

Compensation 

School Board Student Members will receive $18.69/hour for their work in this role, not to exceed 20 hours a month.  

Once selected, student members will need to obtain written permission to work from their parent or guardian.  

In order to be compensated, students will be considered district hourly employees subject to standard onboarding and criminal background check requirements with parent/guardian consent. 

A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant from serving as a School Board student member. 

Time Commitments

School Board student members should expect to spend approximately ten (10) hours a month performing their duties. The estimated total hours of board meetings that student board members will attend in a month is six (6) hours.

Student board members can expect to spend approximately four (4) hours a month on additional work, including reviewing meeting materials, meeting with peers, and meeting with support staff and board mentor.

The number of hours a month may vary, but should not exceed 20 hours.  

Regular Board Meetings 

School Board Student Members will also attend the regular meetings of the School Board of Directors on a roughly once-per-month rotation and will have an opportunity to report on the work of their committee, offer opinions on the motions and resolutions before the board, and communicate other topics of student interest or concern. These meetings are held Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. at John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence. 

Preparation for Meetings 

School Board Student Members will be provided agendas and other materials in preparation for meetings and are also encouraged to attend board work sessions and other special meetings of the board. 

Committees 

Each School Board Student Member will be assigned to a board committee, either standing committees or ad hoc committees.  

Meeting days and times vary by committee.

School Board Student Members will participate in committee discussions and are encouraged to question and communicate their opinions, suggestions, and concerns.