5145.22

Students

Student Involvement in Decision Making

The Board recognizes that students are in a unique position to make positive contributions to the improvement of the educational process and to the building of a better and more effective school system.

It is the Board's belief that students, in keeping with their level of maturity, should be encouraged to participate in the development of procedures, rules, and regulations which effect them. Their participation in decision-making involves both learning procedures and following school/classroom rules. This shall be considered part of the educational process. Opportunities appropriate to the age of the students, class, or school government organizations such as a Student Council may be formed to offer practice in self-government and to serve as channels for the expression of student opinions.

The Board shall endeavor to consider student opinions in establishing policies, particularly those in the area of student privileges and other areas of student sensitivity.

A member of the Board will be assigned to meet with the High School Student Council representatives at least once per semester. These meetings will be designed to promote better understanding between students and the Board, provide for the Board of Education and students a vehicle through which they may exchange information, and to broaden the base of information available to those ultimately responsible for educational decision-making.

In addition to the opportunities provided through the school-wide student government organizations, all students will be welcome at all Board of Education meetings and granted privileges of speaking in line with such privileges extended to the general public.

Policy adopted:  May 23, 2001