Summit Hill 161 Swears In First-Ever Student Board Members

For the first time in its history, Summit Hill School District 161 has student members on its Board of Education.

Summit Hill Junior High eighth graders Audrey Brown and Kimora Franklin took the oath of office and were seated at the board’s September 18 regular meeting.

“Summit Hill School District 161 is proud to be one of the few elementary school districts in our area to have students serving as Board of Education members,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul McDermott. “With board goals that prioritize student learning and communication, empowering students to have a voice on the board not only brings valuable student perspective to board discussion, but it also creates meaningful learning opportunities for our students, giving them the opportunity to develop leadership skills.”

As student board members, Brown and Franklin will act as a bridge of communication between the SHSD161 student body and the Board of Education, informing both groups about the other’s concerns and opinions. They will receive board packets (minus confidential materials) and attend all open board meetings. However, they will not participate in or receive materials for closed sessions. Although they will not vote, they will sit at the board table, representing their peers and contributing to discussion.

Student board members must be in eighth grade and will serve a one-year term. Applicants are narrowed down through an application process and interviewed in person by the full Board of Education. Two student board members were selected. Brown and Franklin will serve during the 2024-25 school year.

“We are extremely proud of the process and the applicants who stepped forward as new eighth graders, who raised their hands and offered to volunteer for this very important position,” said Board President Jim Martin during the Sept. 18 meeting. “All of the applicants were outstanding, and it was a very difficult decision for the board. These two young ladies are really amazing and we look forward to working with them this year.”