Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District OK’s student reps from all school levels

The Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District board of education voted to have a student representative from each school site during their meeting on Monday. (Photo by Vincent Medina)

NORWALK - The Norwalk La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education voted to amend student board member bylaws to allow representation from each school site.

As the school board considered amending the board bylaw 9150 for the student representative during their Monday meeting, board member Robert Cancio motioned to allow more student representation.

“[Student board member bylaws] only represent high schools, we’re not even getting representation to the middle schools or elementary schools,” Cancio said. “So, I think that the only modification that would be appropriate is to allow the student board member to bring their respective colleagues to showcase their respective school site.”

After some discussion, Cancio motioned to allow representation from every school site in the district, including high schools, middle schools and elementary schools.

School board president, Chris Staples, agreed with the motion.

“We’re going to create little leaders in elementary school and have them back again in middle school, or high school,” Staples said.

School board legal counsel, Rob Jacobsen, expressed concern that the elementary school representative would need to understand their position’s responsibilities. The student representative would have the powers of any board member to vote and serve on committees.

“If we’re saying that we’re going to have kindergarteners on committees for the school board, I just want us to see the big picture here,” Jacobsen said. “The policy talks about voting, making amendments, serving on committees and attending graduations.”

Cancio defended his position, explaining it would help students learn about democracy and encourage them to pursue leadership.

“I think that this really offers a teachable moment for our young leaders in their school sites,” Cancio said. “It’s so exciting when you see the president of an elementary school elected by their peers, speaking about an item they are so passionate about.”

However, the board agreed the student representative from elementary schools would be from fifth grade.

The student representatives would also rotate so each school representative could address the board.

The school board unanimously passed the motion and determined that it would be revised and presented at a future board meeting for adoption.