A group of Kentucky middle and high school students wants to see one of their own included on superintendent search committees.
As it stands, state law systematically excludes students from occupying a seat on the committees tasked with finding new leaders for school districts.
Henry Clay senior Ross Boggess thinks it’s time they had a voice. He was one of four students associated with the public education advocacy group The Prichard Committee who spoke to the Senate Education Committee Monday. He says students can bring unique concerns and questions to the table.
"[It's] being able to say, 'Here's a reality check from my perspective as a student' because we're usually the takers of the decisions made in the SBDMs (School-Based Decision Making Councils) rather than seen as a partner going along with it," he said.
While at least one lawmaker worried aloud about maintaining a stream of quality student candidates for the job, the measure cleared the panel and now moves to the full Senate.
Currently, superintendent screening committees consist of two teachers, one board of education member, one principle, a parent, a classified employee, and in some cases an additional minority parent.
