In response to a new state law designed to promote student engagement in educational policy, the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) Central School District has elected its first student representatives to the Board of Education.
This law, which takes effect this year across New York State, mandates that school districts appoint at least one student as a non-voting member of their Board of Education. Although these student representatives will not have voting rights, they will play a critical role in providing student perspectives on key issues affecting the District. The initiative aims to increase civic participation among young people and ensure that student voices are included in decisions that shape their educational experiences.
RCS embraced this opportunity by organizing a student-led election at the high school, empowering students to choose a peer to represent them on the Board. Following the election, Owen Smith and Haiqa Usamni were elected as the district’s first-ever student board members. Owen, an eleventh grader, is eager to convey student concerns and ideas directly to the Board.
"I'm excited to represent my peers and bring student issues to the table,” said Owen. “My first priorities include getting air conditioning installed in our schools and reviewing the district’s cell phone usage policy.”
Both Owen and Haiqa will be officially sworn in at the July 9th Board of Education meeting, where they will start working with the Board to advocate for student needs and contribute to ongoing discussions about the district's future.
The RCS Central School District is proud to support this new chapter in student involvement and looks forward to the positive impact that Owen and Haiqa will bring to the RCS community!