Student representatives
Each year in September boards hold student elections for their board’s student representative.
Boards of state and state-integrated schools with students above Year 9 must have a student representative (unless they have an approved alternative constitution that does not require one).
The role of the student representative is no different to that of any other board member. They have equal standing, voice, accountability, and vote, but they can't be the presiding member (neither can the principal or staff representative).
Standing for election as the student representative on your school board might feel a bit daunting, but there’s plenty of help and support available.
There are some great benefits for a student representative, such as having a voice on how the school is governed, and gaining valuable knowledge and experience for their future – it will look great on a CV!
Any student enrolled full-time in Year 9 and above, and under the age of 20, is eligible to stand for election and vote. Before anyone becomes a school board member, they must confirm they meet the eligibility criteriaopen_in_new and sign an eligibility declaration.
To find more information about how to become a student representative, talk to your principal or presiding member.
Also, check out our Community member guide to the role of school boardsopen_in_new and Kōrari for Aspiring Board Members sessions.