High school junior urges Muhlenberg County board to add nonvoting student representative

Wilson Walker, junior class president at Muhlenberg County High School, told the Muhlenberg County Board of Education during public comment that he would like the district to create a nonvoting student representative seat on the board. "I'm here to respectfully propose that our district introduce a nonvoting student representative to the Muhlenberg County Board of Education," Walker said, and asked for the opportunity to work with board members to bring a formal proposal to an upcoming meeting.

Walker argued the move would align with the district's strategic plan and said nearby districts already include student representatives. He cited a governor's executive order that established a state-level student position on July 21, 2020, and mentioned House Bill 626, which he said is under committee consideration at the state level.

Walker said he was not asking the board to vote that night but requested guidance and time to draft a proposal that would outline eligibility, selection methods (election or application), and expectations for participation. Board members thanked Walker for his remarks; no formal action or vote was taken on the proposal during the meeting.

The next procedural step is for Walker and board members to coordinate on a formal proposal; the district did not set a timeline or vote on creating the student seat at this meeting.