Two Pennsylvania Students Take Seats on State Board of Education

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today announced the induction of the State Board of Education's newest student representatives, Erin Agnew and Paul Ferrera. The two, non-voting, student members took their place among the 21-member board today and will serve in an advisory capacity.

"On behalf of the board, I am pleased to welcome Erin and Paul to the State Board of Education," Tomalis said. "I know they will bring a unique perspective and first-hand insights into the issues faced by students across the state."

In 2008, the board's bylaws were amended to allow for student representation. The student members -- two high school students and two college students -- advise their fellow board members and speak on behalf of Pennsylvania students. Each year, one high school student and one college student is appointed to a two-year term on the board.

Agnew, who will be a junior at Springfield Township High School in Montgomery County, will join Shannon Sullivan, the senior student member, on the Council of Basic Education as the junior student member.

"This position is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I hope to reach as many of Pennsylvania's students as possible," Agnew said. "I feel that bringing students' opinions or concerns into the meetings and communicating the board's initiatives statewide are the two most important aspects of my new position."

Agnew was selected by the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils from a group of qualified candidates statewide. Agnew's impressive academic and philanthropic accomplishments, such as making Principal's Honor Roll and being named 2009 Volunteer of the Year for the Hope Lodge, coupled with her extensive leadership experience, will make her an asset to the board.  

Ferrera, who will be transferring from Penn State Altoona to attend the Smeal College of Business at Penn State's main campus, will take his place on the Council of Higher Education as the junior student member, and will serve alongside David Collins, the senior student member. Ferrera, of Lehigh County, is an active leader at his school and participates in organizations that work to improve the campus and surrounding community.

"I believe that education is the single most effective tool in empowering individuals to achieve success," Ferrera said. "Through my involvement in student government, I have developed a passion for fostering and improving educational excellence at Penn State. I was humbled to be selected for this position and I look forward to sharing my passion for education with the board."

Ferrera was nominated by an advisory committee comprised of representatives from Pennsylvania's community colleges, state-owned universities, state-related universities, as well as private and for-profit institutions. The committee nominates a student each year from the various higher education sectors. This year, a candidate was chosen from the state-related universities.

"I am looking forward to working with these two very fine students," said State Board of Education Chairman Larry Wittig. "I think the entrepreneurial skills of Paul will be a valuable asset to our discussions, as well as Erin's understanding of how government works."

The State Board of Education was established in 1963 as a governing body that establishes standards for statewide educational programs. The board consists of 21 voting members, 17 members appointed by the governor and four members of the General Assembly. In addition, the Secretary of Education, the chairperson of the Professional Standards and Practices Commission and four student members serve in an advisory capacity.

Media contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

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