By Madelyn Treadway, FCHS journalism student
While you may be aware that the Fluvanna County School Board has five elected members–Dr. James Kelley, Andrew Pullen, Andre Key, Chris Fairchild, and Danny Reed– a sixth member recently joined the board to offer a student perspective. Senior George Davis, who goes by the name Diver, is the latest student to fill the position of student representative to the school board.
Student representatives collect information from other students to share with the board regarding student concerns, as well as advise them on student perspectives on policies affecting them. Student representatives are required to attend all public school board meetings.
“I officially started last Feb. 14. I also help the school board make decisions,” Davis said.
FCHS Principal Margo Bruce nominates up to four students from the school to serve as student representatives to the school board each year. Nominees must be in good standing and be willing to attend the monthly meetings. From these nominations, the superintendent provides the names to the school board which makes the final decision on three representatives, one primary and two substitutes, to serve a one-semester term.
Davis is the primary student representative this semester. Seniors Brianna Davis and Victoria Owens are substitute representatives, meaning that they fill in for Davis if he is unable to attend a meeting.
The student representatives serve in an advisory capacity and do not vote or attend closed meetings. They do not have access to confidential information such as student or personnel records. Representatives are expected to attend all regular monthly open meetings and complete research assignments when requested by the school board.
To be considered for the position, students submit a written essay, video recording, or slide presentation providing their reasons for wanting to be a student representative. Nominations are not currently open for next school year but will most likely open towards the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. Students interested in filling this position or learning more about it should contact Bruce at mbruce@apps.fluco.org.
