NJ Students Get Voice On Local School Boards Under New Law

NEW JERSEY — Having student voices on a local school board can be a valuable way of getting more youth involved in government. But it can also help a board’s adult members to remember why they joined in the first place and keep them “accountable” to the children they pledged to serve, supporters of a new state law say.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed A-3392/S-3392 into law earlier this month. The bill will require a minimum of one student representative to be included on each board of education for school districts with grades nine through 12, and on each board of trustees for charter schools with grades nine through 12.

Under the new law, student representatives will be selected by the student body to serve as nonvoting members for one school year term, and students will serve on a rotational basis in public school districts with multiple high schools.

The bill’s sponsors in the Assembly – Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Britnee Timberlake and Mila Jasey – issued a joint statement after it was signed into law.

The lawmakers wrote:

“There is great power and value to having student voices 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.”

The law takes effect in the first full school year following the date of enactment.

• See related article: Belleville's Youngest-Ever BOE Member: 'My Age DOES Matter'
• See related article: 19-Year-Old Unseats Incumbent In South Jersey School Board Race
• See related article: Youngest Elected Official In NJ Begins Term In Millburn

Send news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.