So first we have a land acknowledgement, especially since this meeting we don't know where everybody is, so we respectfully acknowledge that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of Duwamish, Skokomish, Snohomish, Snoquamish, and Suquamish and other Coast Salish tribes.
Just since like our group is located in Washington and those are some of the tribes in Washington.
And the next slide.
Yeah.
So, just to introduce myself, I'm Kaylee.
I go, I see her pronouns and I'm a member of the Washington youth council.
And our council has been working on policy 1250, and we've been fighting for it to even be passed for about two years now.
And I'll pass it over to Mia to introduce herself.
Hi, my name is Mia Dabney.
I use she, her pronouns.
And I am a member of the NAACP Youth Council.
And I'm super excited to be introducing this policy and the application to everyone.
All right.
And President Hersey would you like to introduce yourself.
We cannot hear you.
Can y'all hear me now.
Yes.
Awesome.
Hey y'all how's it going.
My name is Brandon Hersey.
I am the president of the Seattle School Board and I also represent District 7 which is Southeast Seattle.
Thank you all for spending some time with us tonight.
I'm super excited to talk more about getting some youth on the board.
And then I see a couple of other directors have joined joined us.
Vice President Hampson would you like to introduce yourself.
Sorry about that.
Hi I am Director Hampson.
Vice President of the School Board Ho-Chunk and Winnebago from the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
And Director Song-Moritz.
I think I see you on here.
Yes.
Hi good afternoon everybody.
I am Director Vivian Song-Moritz.
I am the director for District 4 which covers Ballard High School and the Center School.
Thanks for joining us today.
All right, and it looks like Rina has joined.
Rina, would you like to introduce yourself from the NAACP Youth Council?
Yes, hi everyone.
My name is Rina Mateja.
She, her pronouns.
I'm a current senior at Cleveland High School and I'm also a member of the NAACP Youth Council.
All right, thank you.
And I've already introduced myself, but again, Julia Warth, Director of Board Relations and Strategic Initiatives, and I use she, her pronouns.
And Nichelle Page, would you like to introduce yourself?
Sure, hello everyone.
My name is Nichelle Page.
I have the pleasure of serving in the Office of African American Male Achievement.
I work with black student unions throughout the district to unify and broaden the direction that we're going.
And I'm so happy to be here with you this evening.
And Jill Leahy.
Sure.
Hi everybody.
I'm Jill Leahy.
I use she her pronouns.
I am the partnership alignment manager in our community partnerships department here at the district.
I also support our superintendent student advisory board.
And it's just been really fun supporting the work that everyone's been doing to get this policy going.
All right, and let's see, Pauline.
Hi, thank you.
My name is Pauline Amel Nash and I work in the public affairs team.
I support the web services and communications team and I'm really looking forward to hearing this.
Great, thank you.
All right, and back to you, Mia, Kaylee, and Reena, Mateja.
Hi I can start.
So this policy really came to be just having students speak at a school board meeting and sharing their ideas.
And then from there I'll pass it on to either Rena or Kaylee to like talk about what kind of started us working on the policy and then after that the application.
Yes definitely I can add on.
Also sorry for any background noise.
Um, but I would say this started, like Kaylee had previously said about, um, two years ago.
And I remember this first starting, um, kind of an NYC meeting.
We were all like talking about change, talking about action, talking about like ways we can like, you know, not only like advocate, but like make sure that like, when we want to create change, like we have like the direct access to like create the policies to vote, to like create the direct changes that like it would take um and so we were like oh my gosh like how cool would it be like if we got you know like students on the school board um and then I remember a couple of us did some more research and we found out that Tukwila actually had students on the school board as well um so really just like seeing that but also just like knowing like how powerful we were as youth like that was something that we said okay like yep like let's make that happen um and we just kind of started with this like a couple of like meetings just like as youth is like what we wanted to do um and then reaching out to school board directors and like asking for an except like and stuff like that um then kaylee if there's anything that you want to add yeah um and just like adding on like i remember seeing this um start off as just like something broad from like one of our demands which is like increasing youth voice
And then it kind of like I think like this is just what like Rina said but like in a meeting like I think just more people started talking about different ideas and it just developed into this whole committee where we worked on like a proposal.
We did our research.
We met with like we met with like people who were involved with like their own school board and like their other Things like that.
And it also we also spent like countless nights of just like figuring out how we should present this to school board members.
And we also individually met with school board members going through the slides and working with just so many different things and researching and like and like now we're here.
So yeah.
Next slide.
And for this next slide I think Mia is going to explain this quote about building bridges between students and the board.
Sorry it wouldn't let me unmute.
Thank you.
So one thing we added to the policy to make sure that like it was we could have like somewhat of a visual example is the Angela Davis quote walls turn sideways are bridges.
And I'll say that just one more time.
Walls turn sideways are bridges.
And we're using this quote in the policy as a way to explain how there are current bridges between the school board and administration and students and using this quote to show that walls turn sideways are bridges and it builds that bridge.
between to have connection with the youth and the staff and administration and specifically the school board because right now we do have a lot of walls built up.
And this quote is just a way for us to use it to help people and us understand what we're fighting for and what we're looking to see within this policy and the application for students to be on the school board.
Yeah so this is our goals for the policy.
The first set of bullet points was our goals from when we first started the proposal and these goals were like really helped us shape where we are now.
So so I'll just read some of them out loud.
It like uplift and increase the voices of students within SPS specifically BIPOC students.
Work towards an educational system that is best for students.
Make active changes that students want and need.
Help students understand the system around them and see their role in it.
And school board members gain more of a grasp on student perspective.
And then the second part is just some added goals where I know me, Rena, and Mia can also add on more.
This is just to summarize just for like a visual point of view.
Using this as a stepping stone to get youth voices in other places like like it could lead to other schools being school districts being inspired to create their own policy as well to have students on their school board.
And then building stronger community and relationships between the school board.
And during this process youth voice will be heard and action will be taken with it and that's some of our goals.
And I know Rena and Mia probably have more goals to add on to this.
I think you said it all.
I just want to say it again.
I really want this policy to be a way for BIPOC voice to be uplifted and heard in SBS.
and it to be respected.
So I just wanted to say that again because I think it's really important.
But that's what I'm looking for and I'm looking for respect and adults who are open to listening to see changes.
So that's what I'm really looking for right now.
All right.
And President Hersey over to you to provide the board's perspective on our goals for this policy.
Absolutely.
And so what I really want to highlight is that when we are talking about the board perspective this is a shared vision that we have with the youth that have worked on this policy.
One of the big focuses that Director DeWolf and I had when we sat out on this journey was to make sure that we were as little in the way as possible because we want to make sure that student voice is centered as much as we can.
Which is why you see that the first bullet says to uplift and increase the voices of students with within Seattle Public Schools and specifically BIPOC students.
We know that you know there's been this dance going back and forth between the board and community but specifically students.
You know in the past couple of weeks alone or past couple of months rather there have been a number of student protests to SPS decisions.
And in some capacities directors are able to listen and do something about it.
And in some capacities we're just not right.
And the only way that we're going to be able to break down those silos and really break those cycles is to put as much effort into getting students at the table in terms of decision making as possible.
And I think that this policy is a huge step forward in that regard.
Working toward an educational system that is best for students is only going to be possible if we really seek to understand what a productive and meaningful partnership with student leaders in the board looks like.
And I don't want to disillusion anyone.
We do not know what this is going to look like completely.
So a big thing that I am looking forward to is for the inaugural students to help us figure out what is the best way to go about doing this.
I serve as probably no not probably I serve as the youngest member of our board and I just turned 30. So I'm very much so removed from what the experiences of being a high schooler is like.
And so I don't want to I don't want to make For any confusion, we are very much so interested in having the students who really serve in these inaugural positions be very instrumental in helping us understand and determine what this is going to look like moving forward.
We want to make active changes the students want and need.
We want to include students in decision making on issues that impact them directly.
But most importantly, school board directors want to build solid relationships with our students.
You know, what I think we miss out on in the opportunity of serving the school board directors is spending time directly with youth.
In the past, we spent a lot of time focused on adult needs and adult problems and less time focused on student outcomes.
And I believe strongly that if we are really going to make the system better together, the only way for us to do that effectively is hand in hand with the folks who we are trying to serve, which is y'all.
So again, I'm just really excited for those of you who were able to join us tonight, and I look forward to hopefully working with some of you as we get this up and rolling.
Great, thank you.
And Mia, Kaylee, and Rena, back over to you.
So the, I can, oh.
Do you want to do it?
Sorry.
No, you can start, Mia, please start.
Okay, thank you.
So, the role of a student member is to serve as a student voice.
So, like, again, going back to that quote, being a bridge between students and adults, and then also building relationships with peers.
So, getting to know your students, getting to know your community, so you can fight for what they want and for what's going on with them.
and then attend regular board meetings, which is just helpful to know what's going on, to know what you're voting on and stuff like that.
And then to attend committee meetings, which is again, to just know what's going on within the school board.
So you can bring that information back to the community and talk about what they need.
I apologize about that.
I'm gonna track me.
Yeah and just adding on to what Mia had already said and what is already shown.
I just want to emphasize how impactful being a student on the school board is and how how your voice really really matters and especially this is just something that's like life changing history changing like it can change like the future of the district.
So I just wanted to emphasize how impactful your voice would be as you're signing up and applying for this.
All right, and I did just want to clarify one thing about the role of the student member.
And so one just seconding how important it is going to be to have student voice on the board and important to have that voice as the board is making decisions.
I did just want to clarify that the student member positions are non-voting positions.
And so when official votes of the board are being taken the student members won't be voting.
However one of the things we are hoping that this inaugural group of student members will help us build out is the structures for ensuring that student voice is heard in those board meetings, making sure that the student perspective is considered in the board's decision-making process.
So just wanted to clarify that one point there.
So in terms of how to apply to be a student board member, the application has three parts.
The first part is a written form, and that written form includes four short answer questions and then other information like what is your name, high school, and contact information.
The application also includes a video statement, and that video should be no more than three minutes.
and can be just anything else that you want the selection panel to know about you that is not already reflected in the written questions.
So it's really an opportunity to be creative and show your personality and just put forward anything else that we should know.
And then finally, the application also requires two references.
And these references can be from anyone who can speak to your leadership ability.
So it can be a teacher, it can be a counselor, but it can also be a peer.
So someone that you've worked with and they could talk about your leadership skills or how you've built community in your school or in other places.
So it can be a community mentor.
There's really kind of a wide range.
of folks that you can get your reference from.
So it doesn't have to just be an adult from your school building.
Oh, one more thing I did want to note about the written form is that it is a Microsoft form, so you will need to be logged into your SPS account.
in order to fill out that form.
You will also be able to upload your video statement in that form.
And so the link that's on the main page will take you to the form and you can upload your video there too.
And the form cannot be saved.
So as you're working on it, you can't save and walk away and then come back to it.
So particularly for the written questions, please make sure that you start the written your responses in a Word document, finalize them there, and then just copy and paste them over to the form, because we wouldn't want you to lose any of the hard work that you're putting into this.
So this is just the short answer questions that are part of the application.
Each should only be about four to six sentences.
It doesn't need to be an essay, just a brief paragraph to answer each of the questions.
And like I said, please start in a Word document first and then copy it into the form itself.
And then just a brief overview of the selection process.
And so for this inaugural group of student board members, we will be bringing three students onto the board.
And so the selection committee will be selecting three finalists from the pool of applicants.
It will be a student-led selection committee.
So it will be students making this choice.
And the process will be an application review.
Then a subset of applicants will be selected for an interview with the panel.
And then the final selection will be made by the student committee.
And those three students will be put forward to the board.
And then the school board will take an official vote to bring students onto the board.
And that official vote is set to happen in June.
So then once students are selected in June, you would begin your term as a student board member in the 2022-23 school year.
And with that, I think we are ready to open up for questions.
So for those of you who are on Teams, please use the raise hand function and I will call on you.
And then I'll also try to keep an eye on the chat, because I already saw some questions pop in.
All right, Jasmine, I see your hand.
If we could possibly be moving to a different state within the next year could I still remain a member if I am accepted as a member?
So it you would have to be enrolled as a Seattle Public Schools student and so if you were no longer enrolled you wouldn't be able to still serve.
Caitlyn.
So overall in the Seattle Public Schools are only three people being chosen or three people per district being chosen as.
Like every every school has three different people or the district has three people or the whole.
What is it.
Yeah.
So it will be three total.
So representing the entire district.
So that would mean three per district, like let's say three people in District 4 and three people in District 7, or is it just three people for the Seattle School Board, like everything?
Yes, just three people for the Seattle School Board for everything.
OK, thank you.
Joseph.
Right.
So I think you might have spoken on this, but if so, I forgot.
Hot will the committee meetings be entirely virtual or is there like virtual or are we expected to attend a physical home unit?
That is a good question.
We do not.
So currently committee meetings are virtual and then regular board meetings are in person.
So for the regular board meetings you would be expected to attend in person.
The board has not decided for the 22-23 year if committee meetings will remain virtual, but those are typically held with the hybrid option, so you should be able to join virtually in the future.
Okay, thank you.
And I also had a question which I put in the chat, which was, has to confirm that a recommendation doesn't need to be from A source like that you know how you're connected to through school.
Right, just need to have reason to think you'll be good on the visit.
Hold on the position.
Yes, exactly.
Thank you.
And let's see.
So a new hand pop up here.
Nicolo.
Yes, hello.
I just wanted to ask.
Like how are you picking who's going to be on the student selection committee?
Is there a selection committee for the selection committee or is it just like a couple people from every school?
Like how many people are on the selection team?
Who's running it?
That kind of thing.
Yeah, all very good questions.
We were just discussing this afternoon and so we will be recruiting for the selection committee from different groups across the district and across various schools.
And so students that are interested in being on the selection committee will be basically, you'll be getting messages shortly about how to join the selection committee.
If the one caveat to that is that if you are applying to be a student board member, you cannot be on the selection committee.
Um, and then in terms of your question about the size of the selection committee, um, that is still under consideration.
Yeah, adding on to answer that question, um, like the selection committee, our kind of vision for it is kind of like, um, youth from like different backgrounds, youth from different like organizations and things like that.
Um, where we can all like share different perspectives and selecting that choice.
Jasmine.
So I have a question about references.
How would that work?
Should I mention the contact of the person that could give the references or is there just like a quote needed or of some sort?
Yeah, so there is a form for the person to fill out that you would like to have as your reference and that is linked from the student board member page.
So there's a link to the application and there's also a link to the recommendation form.
And so you can send that form to the person and they'll fill it out and then it'll come straight to the school board office.
And we'll put it together with the rest of your application.
Nicola.
Yes, sorry another one.
Can you have more than two references?
Like could you get three references?
So we are going to limit it to two references just so everyone has equal opportunity across applications.
OK.
And Jill has dropped the recommendation form into the chat.
So if you need that direct link, it is in there now.
And Nicolo, I'm sorry, am I saying your name correctly?
I feel like maybe I'm not.
It's Nicolo, but just Nicolo is fine.
Okay, all right.
In terms of your question, if a reference can be a school board member, It cannot, that would potentially bias the committee.
So to avoid that kind of conflict, that would be the one person that couldn't be.
Can it be a former school board member?
That's an interesting question.
I would need to get back to you on that.
Okay.
Can you maybe drop like an email or something so I can reach out to check about that?
Yes.
Thank you.
Right?
Any other questions?
Oh, I see Joseph.
I see your hand.
Right, so given that we seem to be wrapping up, it occurred to me that since you're having another info session on April 5th, I figured I should ask is that going to be essentially a repeat of this one for people who didn't show up to this or will there be new information?
Questions that might have been asked.
Right, yeah, so it will be the same presentation as this evening, but with potentially different questions.
OK.
OK.
Well, I have dropped my email in the chat, so if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
We also have a Let's Talk button on the website, and so if you have any questions and can't find my email again, go ahead and hit the Let's Talk button on the SPS website, and one of the options there is to ask a question about being a student school board member, and so you can get your question answered that way as well.
So you don't, you have a couple different options for reaching out to us.
Mia, Kaylee, and Rina, anything you would like to say before we close out?
Or any things to highlight that haven't come up yet?
I think the only thing I would wanna say is like, To the people in here who are interested, we hope you take this opportunity, because I think it's going to be amazing.
I'm excited to see where this goes.
And signing up will be some kind of change in our education system, and it's going to make an impact.
So if you want to be a part of the change and a part of the impact in our education, please feel free to sign up.
It's going to do something.
And I believe in all of you who do it.
So thank you so much.
I agree with Mia.
And just adding on, if you have friends or peers that you feel like usually their voice is unheard, but they have such a strong, powerful voice, I really highly encourage you to encourage them to also sign up to and apply to.
Yes, I would just like to say thank you all so much for showing up.
It really means a lot.
even just being here today is a first step to creating change.
So just thank you guys for showing up, and I really hope to see all of you soon.
And let's see, I see one last hand, Margarita.
Yeah, so I was just wondering if, for example, a person was selected and then was one of the select as the three people.
When would like the meetings start?
Like at what exact month and what exact month would it like end?
Yeah, so the meetings will start in September, so that will be the first meeting.
The board holds a meeting in August and that will be optional for the student members, but the first required meeting will be in September.
And then the last required meeting for student members will be the last June meeting of the year.
There's also a July meeting.
And so if students wanted to attend that July meeting, they're welcome to.
Your term would still go through then, but that wouldn't be a required meeting.
So required meetings from beginning of September through end of June with an optional August and July meeting.
All right, well, if there are no other questions, thank you all so much for being here.
Thank you all so much for your interest.
This is really exciting to see you all here and just really, really looking forward to getting to work with you.
And like I said, please reach out if you have questions, either Let's Talk or my email in the chat, and we'll try to get you answers and any support that you need in your application.
All right.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Have a good day.