Leilani Billups, a junior at STEAM Academy @ MSB, has been elected to represent the student body on the Board of Education, marking a significant milestone in fostering student participation. The Board of Education, recognizing the value of student input, recently enacted a policy allowing a student to serve as a non-voting member of the Board. This initiative aims to elevate the significance of student voices in key decision-making processes.

As part of the selection process for the student Board of Education representative, interested candidates were required to submit a one-page essay detailing the importance of student leadership. From a pool of applicants, five finalists emerged, representing McCluer, McCluer North, Innovation, STEAM High, and Restoration and Wellness Center.

The final phase of the selection process involved the five finalists responding to video interview questions, which were made accessible to all middle and high school students during Advisory. Students were then empowered to cast their vote recommendations to their respective student building representatives, contributing to the democratic selection of the student Board of Education representative.

Leilani Billups, having emerged as the elected student representative, is slated to take her oath of office during the upcoming January 10, 2024, board meeting, officially commencing her one-year term.