WILMINGTON, DE — Governor John Carney announced Monday that Delaware is seeking applications for the student seat on the State Board of Education, a pioneering initiative designed to incorporate student perspectives directly into educational policy decisions. This call for applications, open until May 6, 2024, marks another step forward in the state’s commitment to engaging young voices in the governance of its schools.
This unique opportunity is reserved for Delaware public high school students who will be in their junior or senior year during the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, which places a non-voting student member on the Board, aims to provide a platform for the student body to influence decisions affecting the state’s educational landscape. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of education for their peers.
The inclusion of a student representative on the State Board of Education underscores a broader shift towards more inclusive decision-making processes in education. Governor Carney emphasized the importance of student representation, citing the positive feedback from both the Board and its young members over the years. “When we make big decisions that impact schools in our state, it’s important Delaware students have a seat at the table,” Carney stated, encouraging eligible students to seize this chance to contribute to their community.
Shawn Brittingham, President of the State Board of Education, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, highlighting the invaluable insights previous student board members have brought to discussions on policies and programs affecting Delaware’s student population. Their contributions, according to Brittingham, have been instrumental in ensuring that the Board’s actions reflect the needs and aspirations of the students they serve.
The student seat initiative, approved by the General Assembly in 2018 through House Bill 455, was a collaborative effort by Representative Stephanie T. Bolden and Senator Jack Walsh. It not only allows for a student member but also mandates the inclusion of a former State Teacher of the Year who is still active in teaching, ensuring that the board benefits from a wide range of perspectives.
Board meetings, which are open to the public, offer a transparent view into the workings of the state’s educational policy-making process. By holding these meetings across all three counties, the Board demonstrates its commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
The call for applications is more than just an invitation for participation; it represents a recognition of the pivotal role students play in shaping the educational environment. By integrating student voices into its deliberations, the State Board of Education acknowledges that those most affected by educational policies—students themselves—are best positioned to identify and advocate for their needs and interests. This initiative not only empowers students but also enriches the policymaking process with fresh, firsthand perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within Delaware’s educational system.
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