Each year since 1969, a California public high school student has been selected to serve a one-year term on the State Board of Education (SBE). This direct student involvement has become a crucial factor in developing policies that guide the administration of the state's 2,250 local educational agencies.
The value of student participation on the SBE was recognized by the Legislature and the Governor in 1983, when the Student Member was granted full participation and voting rights, including participation in closed sessions.
About the Student Board Member
Any student who is a California resident, enrolled in a California public high school, and who will be enrolled in good standing in the twelfth grade during the term of appointment may apply.
The Student Board Member term is from August 1 through July 31.
The estimated time commitment required for the Student Member will be at least two consecutive school days every other month to attend regular State Board meetings, in Sacramento; a one-day orientation; sufficient time to study the agenda materials in advance of the meeting, which may include consultation with board staff for background information related to agenda issues; additional time for handling other Board-related business; and time to attend selected advisory group meetings, student meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Travel, lodging, and meal costs will be paid by the SBE in the amount allowed by state regulations. Additionally, the State Board's Student Member receives a $100 stipend for each day's service on approved, official business.
Selection and Appointment Process
Application Period
The application period typically occurs over the summer months.
Initial Screening
The SBE Screening Committee will committee will review each application holistically, selecting twelve semifinalists who reflect the best cross-section of the many outstanding students who apply.
Presentation and Selection of Candidates
The twelve semifinalists will be sponsored by the SBE to attend the next Student Advisory Board on Education (SABE) conference. SABE is hosted by the California Association of Student Councils (CASC) and provides a three-day forum for students to meet in small groups to develop proposals that address education issues of concern to California public school students. The conference is held annually in November in Sacramento.
The semifinalists will participate in conference activities as regular attendees. In addition, the semifinalists will make individual presentations to all other SABE participants about their interest in, and qualifications for the student member position. Six candidates will be selected from the twelve semifinalists by secret ballot of their SABE conference peers for further consideration by the SBE Screening Committee.
Candidate Interviews and Nominations
Each of the final six candidates will be interviewed by the SBE Screening Committee. Interviews and the selection of the three finalists are expected to take place prior to and at the November SBE meeting. The SBE Screening Committee will recommend three finalists to the SBE. Following the Board's vote to select three nominees, the names of the three finalists will be forwarded to the Governor. Finalists will also complete an additional application, as required by the Governor's Office.
Appointment
Representatives of the Governor will interview the three finalists in the late spring or summer following nomination by the SBE. Following the interviews, one of the finalists will be appointed by the Governor to be the next SBE Student Member.
Additional Information
For links to the application form and frequently asked questions about the application and selection process, please visit SBE Student Member Application Information.