APPLY NOW!
Student Board Representative Applications are currently being accepted. The original application deadline of May 19th has been extended until all positions are filled.
For the new 2023-24 school year, the Olympia School District Board of Directors will select high school juniors or seniors to serve as student representatives on the board for all schools with grades 9-12. The students serve in an advisory capacity at board meetings and may cast non-binding, advisory votes on motions before the board. They contribute to discussion by providing student insight and are encouraged to comment about policies, procedures and decisions that affect students. They also serve as a liaison for student leadership at their schools and report to fellow students about the work of the board and district activities.
Here is how the past Student Board Representatives described their experience serving on the board:
"I loved being a student representative, the work was fulfilling. I'm glad that I was able to be proactive in our school system, witness firsthand the work that the district does, and be included in decisions that affect me and my peers."- Student Representative Michelle Pineda (Avanti)
"My time as a student rep has allowed me to learn about the way our district works from the inside, and I have experienced the policymaking process in a hands-on environment. The opportunity to contribute to discussions, hear from students and community members, and advise members of the school board and district staff has been an incredibly rewarding experience." - Student Representative Matthew Scott (Olympia)
Student representatives are selected by their high schools each spring to serve on the board for the following school year (July 1-June 30).
Recruitment for Student Board Representatives from all high schools including ORLA for the 2023-24 school year has begun.
Eligibility Requirements
Student representatives must be:
- Entering their junior or senior year at the time of selection and in good academic standing, and maintain good academic standing throughout their term. Selected students should also have a history of leadership and involvement in extracurricular and civic activities;
- Willing to communicate with fellow students about the activities of the Board and to gather input about issues facing the Board;
- Willing to commit the necessary time to attend meetings and perform the duties and responsibilities of a student representative. Board meetings are generally scheduled two evenings each month (2nd and 4th Thursday from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.), one monthly work session (1st Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m.), a summer retreat in the month of August (1/2 day); and a winter retreat in the month of January (1/2 day).
- The student representative is preferred to be a resident of the district.
Student representatives serve a one-year term on the board through June 13, 2024.
If you are interested, please fill out the application.
APPLY NOW! (Online Application)
The application deadline has been extended until all positions are filled.
Student Board Representative 23-24SY Recruitment Timeline
*Recruitment Timeline Updated on 05/26/23
- May 1 : Accepting applications
- May 9: Informational Session - 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (1/2 hour session)
- May 19 : Application screening
- May 23 - 24: Eligible applicants selected for interviews
- Date TBD: Interviews scheduled
- Date TBD: New Student Board Representatives for 23-24SY selected
- Date TBD Oath of Office at Board Meeting
For more information about being a student representative, contact Emmie San Nicolas, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent at [email protected], or call (360) 596-6114.
2022 – 2023 Student Board Representatives
- Avanti High School – Ali Owen (junior)
- Capital High School – Rahma Gaye (senior)
- Olympia High School – Christine Zhang (senior)
- Olympia Regional Learning Academy (ORLA) – Ru'ya Russell (senior)