Reynolds-Jackson, Timberlake & Jasey Bill to Codify Student Representation on NJ School Boards Clears Assembly

Measure Also Provides for Representation on Charter School Boards of Trustees

(TRENTON) – Seeking to elevate student voice, the full Assembly voted 73-2 Monday advancing a measure to require a minimum of one student representative per school board in districts with high school students in grades nine through 12, and on each board of trustees of a charter school with grades nine through 12.

Under the bill (A-5238), student representatives would be selected by the student body to serve as nonvoting members for one school year term, and students would serve on a rotational basis in public school districts with multiple high schools.

Sponsors of the bill, Assembly Democrats Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon), Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic) and Mila Jasey (D-Essex, Morris), released the following joint statement:

“There is great power and value to having student voice represented on school boards. Not only does it create an opportunity for civic engagement and leadership, but it also generates greater accountability among the adults for the broader impacts of their decision-making.

“At the end of the day, student feedback is essential when considering policies and issues that will directly impact them, so it is only just and in true democratic-fashion they be afforded a seat at the table.”