By: Donovan W. Mann — donovanm@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt Community School District is adding two student representatives to the board of education.
As previously reported by KHBT, recent discussions between the school board and Superintendent of Schools Jim Murray have led to the processes of adding two student representatives to the board. Murray talks about the decision and process more with KHBT.
The idea was first brought up during a work shop with the board and superintendent. Murray says that it “actually occurred during my goals session when we were working with the school board members.” While they worked to develop a vision for leadership in the district highly regarded educator and former head of the Prairie Lake Area Education Agency Jeff Herzberg brought the idea forward. He told the board and Murray that he has seen students on the school board before in his own experiences.
Murray says that there is a big value to adding students to their school board. “The students experience the everyday life.” He says that as the superintendent he can be visible at the schools and does works closely with leadership. The board can hear reports about what is happening as well. However, the student perspective is needed according to Murray. This way the leadership can have better representation on the daily life in the schools and how it can be better improved.
During the October meeting of the board Murray reported a total of nine applications received. He says at first there didn’t seem to be any interest but is happy to see the applications came in before the deadline of Oct. 23. The applicants range from grades 10-12.
There was discussion on how to proceed forward in selecting the two students to the board. Murray says he’s putting together a committee to help select the two students. He says the board will consist of himself, High School Principal Dr. Paul Numedahl, a current member of the Board of Education and he hopes to have two Humboldt High School Alumni help with the decision making process.
The superintendent hopes to have the process completed in time for the next board meeting in November.