Student Representatives to the Board

The Lee's Summit Board of Education values the voices of students and wishes to both encourage student involvement and promote a communications link between the board and students. The board believes that the views, insights and suggestions of student representatives can assist the board in making decisions about the district’s educational policies and programs. For more information, please see Board Policy JFBB.

Number and Source of Student Representatives

Student representatives must attend one of the district’s high schools on a full-time basis, and up to five students from each high school shall serve at any given time. 

Qualifications and Characteristics of Student Representatives

In selecting student representatives, the board shall apply the following criteria:

• Students must be juniors or seniors in one of the district’s high schools.
• Students must be in good standing and enrolled full time in the school they represent. For  purposes of this policy, "good standing" shall mean eligibility for interscholastic athletics under the by-laws of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, as then in effect.
• Students must be calm under pressure, exhibit thoughtfulness and the ability to articulately express their views.
• Students must commit to dedicating the time required to fulfill the duties of the position.
• Student representatives should represent a cross-section of students within the district, such that the board will not give undue weight to factors such as a high GPA or frequent participation in activities.
• Students must be accessible to other students in their building.
• Students must show a willingness to listen to students with diverse points of view, and an ability to synthesize those points of view into board updates or requests for board action.

Responsibilities of Student Representatives

Student representatives must commit to fulfilling the following responsibilities:

• Attend at least four regular board of education meetings each year (September, December, March, and May) to report to the board and answer questions posed by board members.
• Collect meaningful information from other students.
• Act as a liaison between students and the board, communicating student concerns to the board and reporting back to students on actions taken by the board that affect students.
• Provide honest, fair, and thoughtful feedback to the board on matters affecting students.
• Represent students during legislative events hosted by the district.
• Meet with other student representatives to discuss presentations to and requests from the board.
• Visit their high school’s feeder schools to gather information relevant to reports or requests from the board, if possible.
• Optional participation in the interview process for their successors.
• Assist with the orientation of new student representatives, including the development or revision of training aids.