Pennsylvania State Board of Education Welcomes New Student Members

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the State Board of Education announced two new student members who will join its ranks in July.

Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera and State Board Chairman Larry Wittig were both on hand to announce the new members.

"Students are at the heart of every issue and policy decision that come before the State Board, and these students can offer valuable perspectives in the discussions," Rivera said. "The two students selected this year will gain tremendous experience and insight into how education policy is developed and implemented."

Shirlann Harmon, an 11^th grade student from Seneca Valley School District in Beaver County, was selected as the high school student board member. Andrew Ahr of Natrona Heights, Allegheny County, a junior at the Pennsylvania State University, was selected to serve as the board's postsecondary student member.

Both students will begin two-year terms in July 2016 as non-voting, advisory members. Their participation is supported by private grants funds made available by Highmark. 

Student members were added to the State Board in 2008 to increase the student voice in education policymaking. They were added through a revision to the Board's by-laws and are not required by statute.

To be considered for the post, students have to submit a resume, essays, and letters of recommendation.  Application materials for high school students are submitted to the PA Association of Student Councils (PASC), which facilitates the high school student selection process. The postsecondary representative rotates between state-related and state system universities every two years.

The State Board of Education was established in 1963 and reconstituted in 1988. The 21-member board works closely with the Department of Education, state policymakers, and educators to review, develop and adopt regulations that govern basic and higher education in the commonwealth. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us