Home California Governor Signs Leyva ‘Student Voices’ Bill”

Governor Signs Leyva ‘Student Voices’ Bill”

by ECT

SACRAMENTO – Following strong bipartisan support in the Legislature, Governor Jerry Brown Monday signed a bill authored by Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) that will improve the ability of student representatives on school boards in California to promptly review materials and better participate in board discussions.

SB 468 will ensure that student school board members can offer more informed opinions on matters before their school boards by requiring that they receive the same open session information at the same time as the other board members. This approved measure will also require that students be invited to staff briefings of the board members so that they have a chance to better understand the issues considered by the board.

“With the Governor’s signature, SB 468 ensures that student board members are able to make informed decisions on behalf of the students that they represent,” Senator Leyva said.  “Though some school boards have already been providing their student members with the relevant materials and briefings beforehand, SB 468 will finally codify this best practice into law so that all student board members are fully able to participate in the discussion and debate affecting their classmates and school communities.  I appreciate Governor Brown’s signature of SB 468 that will help to strengthen student voices on school boards across California.”

California Education Code currently requires the establishment of a student school board member position if 10% of students in the district or 500 students, whichever is less, sign a petition. This student board member does not have formal voting power but is there to ensure that the student voice is heard and considered during school board meetings. Some student board members are allowed a preferential vote so that their vote is on the public record.

Since school boards oftentimes handle complex issues and vote on policies and programs that span several years, student school board members that are only elected for one-year terms may lack the expertise needed to make an informed decision on some of the issues before the board.

Sponsored by the California Association of Student Councils, Senator Leyva introduced SB 468 as a direct result of student testimony at a Senate Education Committee hearing in February 2017.  SB 468 will take effect on January 1, 2018.

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