The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (HLWW) School Board recently approved the addition of three student representatives to the board at its October meeting. The board is adding the student board member positions to ensure that they hear the voices of students as decisions are made, as well as create new opportunities for students to engage as leaders.

“We are looking forward to having students engage more directly with the board as decisions are made, and we also believe this could be a great experience for students,” said Shannah Mulvihill, vice chair of the board. “It’s a great opportunity, and a great step for our district.”

According to the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA), approximately 95 school districts in Minnesota have at least one student representative on their boards. Those school boards have anecdotally reported better functioning boards, as student representative input makes board members more aware of the needs of the students and, as a result, board members make more informed decisions.

The role of student members will be advisory in nature, and student members will not be given the right to vote. However, they will attend school board meetings along with elected board members, represent their peers and serve as a bridge between students and district leaders.

Dr. Dan Edwards, HLWW’s superintendent, commented on the value of providing opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and learn how education policy is made.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s school board members, city council members and other elected officials,” said Dr. Edwards.

Student membership to the board will provide a unique opportunity for students to represent their peers, develop leadership skills and have a voice in the decisions that shape their school experience.

Student board members will be chosen in three ways: one member will be appointed from within the student council executive team, one member will be elected by HLWW high school students, and one member will be selected by the HLWW School Board.

Student members will generally serve one-year terms, from June 1 to May 31. For the 2025-2026 school year, terms will be shorter, beginning in October/November. To be eligible for board membership, students must be in Grade 10 or above and be in good standing/eligible to participate in activities.

To be considered for board membership, students can complete an online application here, or they can contact one of the student council advisors.