BBBAA-R:   SCHOOL COMMITTEE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES PROCEDURE

This procedure outlines the purpose, roles, responsibilities, requirements, and benefits of the Student Representative and Vice Representative positions, ensuring clarity for prospective applicants.

Overview

The Kittery School District values the input and participation of its students in the governance of the school system. To ensure student voices are heard, the district has established the roles of Representative and Vice Representative to the School Committee. These positions shall provide students with a platform to express their concerns, interests, and ideas, thereby fostering a more inclusive and responsive school environment.  The Student Representative and Vice Representative to the School Committee will be elected by the student body at Traip Academy.  The Traip Academy Principal and Assistant Principal will be primary contacts for information.

Roles and Responsibilities

Representative:

·               Attend and sit with the School Committee during twice-monthly meetings.

·               Present monthly reports on student issues and interests across the district.

·               Participate in discussions and provide input on matters before the committee.

·               Cast a non-binding vote on all issues before the committee.

·               Engage with the student body and collaborate with the Vice Representative to develop the monthly report.

·               Serve on standing committees as assigned by the School Committee Chairperson.

Vice Representative:

·             Attend twice-monthly School Committee meetings.

·             Assist the Representative in developing the monthly report.

·             Serve as a substitute for the Representative in their absence.

·             Engage with the student body to gather insights and feedback for the monthly report.

·             Serve on standing committees as assigned by the School Committee Chairperson.

Term

Representative:

·               The Representative shall serve a one-year term which may immediately follow a one-year term as the Vice Representative with no interruption and without being re-elected.

·               If the Representative does not serve as the immediate past Vice Representative, they will be elected during a special election in September.

·               The Representative’s term runs from the time of the special election in September through June the following spring. If the Representative serves as the immediate past Vice Representative, the terms run consecutively.

Vice Representative:

·               The Vice Representative shall serve a one-year term from the time of fall elections in September for 12 months including the summer.

Eligibility and Requirements

·               Must remain enrolled full-time at Traip Academy (including enrollment at SRTC).

·               Maintain strong academic standing.

·               Adhere to the same attendance policy as the adult school committee members.

·               Exhibit positive school citizenship.

·               Successfully fulfill all responsibilities associated with the Student Representative role.

Skills and Qualifications

·               Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

·               Ability to represent the diverse perspectives of the student body.

·               Commitment to upholding the values and policies of the Kittery School District.

·               Organizational and time management skills to manage the responsibilities of the role effectively.

Application Process

Upon the request for applications by the Student Council, interested students will submit a letter of interest detailing their interest in the position, their qualifications, their capacity to execute the role of the Student Representative, and how they plan to represent their peers. Applications will be reviewed by the Student Council, and selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the Student Council.  Qualified candidates will then be included on the May or September ballot.

Benefits

·               Opportunity to develop leadership and advocacy skills.

·               Direct involvement in the decision-making process of the school district.

·               Experience that can help define potential future career interests.

Adopted:   August 20, 2024