Woodburn school board interviews three student representative candidates ahead of June appointment

The Woodburn School District board held interviews on June 1 for three candidates for student representative positions, hearing each applicant answer a standard set of questions about strengths, priorities and time commitments.

Edwin Estz Ramos said he would bring "ambition, curiosity, initiative, and insight" to the role and described himself as an "advocate for students," saying he would gather student feedback through conversations, surveys and a possible newsletter. Another applicant emphasized representing a diverse range of students by "taking myself out of the picture" and remaining "unbiased," and all candidates spoke to balancing board duties with academics and extracurricular responsibilities.

Board members told the applicants student representatives are expected to attend twice-monthly Tuesday evening meetings, occasional committee meetings and district events. The board also described opportunities to attend professional conferences and a board retreat; presenters said student representatives would be treated "as part of the team" and invited to summer and November conferences.

The board will announce the appointed student representatives at its regular meeting on June 23. No formal vote on appointments took place during the special meeting.