Students propose requiring at least one student board member in every district

A panel of students told the joint Senate and Assembly Education Committees that district funding decisions routinely exclude student perspectives and proposed a statutory change to guarantee student representation on every school board.

Justin Echolm, a freshman at Santa Susana High School, outlined a proposal to amend Education Code section 35012 to require at least one student board member per unified and high‑school district and to expand student training and rights, including the ability to make motions while retaining a preferential (nonbinding) vote. “We are delegates of the Student Advisory Board on Legislation and Education representing the youth of California,” Echolm said.

Presenters argued the amendment would improve transparency in funding decisions, help reduce inequities, and cost little per district because training and meeting attendance already exist for board members. They proposed an appeals process for small or underresourced districts to seek exemptions and said the change would build on existing law that now creates student board positions only when petitioned by students.

Legislators questioned logistics: Senator Cortezi and others raised concerns about ties on odd‑numbered boards, the scope of motioning powers (how and when a student could place items on an agenda), timing of student terms relative to local budget cycles, and whether a statewide mandate would create reimbursement obligations for districts. Committee members recommended addressing the technical questions, clarifying motion rules and the training framework, and considering pilot approaches.

The committee did not vote on a bill during the hearing. Members encouraged students to refine statutory language and to consult with districts and legal staff on mandate and cost implications.