STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPLICATION 2025
Application due: Friday, March 28th
Seeking Washington State Sophomore!
Introduction
The State Board of Education is seeking a current high school sophomore to serve a two-year term as a Student Representative.
Eligible Students must:
Reside and attend a public or private school in Washington State through the academic years of their term (2025 - 2027).
Be a current sophomore (rising Junior) at the time of selection.
Have a passion for improving K-12 public education.
Be able to devote sufficient time to the responsibilities of the board, including, but not limited to, participating in all scheduled State Board of Education Board meetings.
Have a positive academic and/or extracurricular record, which mat be demonstrated by grades, activities, accomplishments, and/or recommendations of peers, educators, or community members.
Commit to making up for missed school work while attending scheduled meetings and other board functions.
Students should be able to communicate effectively, listen, observe, and provide input on educational policy issues in Washington State. In making their selection, the Board will consider the geographic and demographic diversity of the student’s school and the ability of the student to understand and communicate the experiences of a wide range of students, particularly those who have not been well served by our education system. The student selected for this two-year term must be passionate about educational matters and willing to commit to a rigorous meeting schedule. presents a significant commitment of time and energy. While a typical week may include a few hours of engaging in Board activities, students can expect to spend as much as 20 hours engaged in Board work during meeting weeks.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact James Layman (AWSL Director) at 509.868.4732 or e-mail james@awsleaders.org
Timeline
Applications submitted - Friday, March 28th, 2025
Finalists will be notified by - Monday, April 7th, 2025
Finalists interviewed (will be conducted virtually) - Before May 1st, 2025
The position includes a rigorous meeting schedule that requires attending overnight meetings, conferences, and retreats. The student selected will miss approximately 16 school days each year. Meeting expenses are covered through the SBE.
About the State Board of Education
The Washington State Board of Education consists of sixteen members, a blend of Governor-appointed and community-elected representatives. The Board focuses on shaping policies and advocating for the state’s K-12 public education system. Our main goal is to create an equitable education system where every student gets the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive in a changing world. The Board has four primary areas of responsibility:
Advocacy and strategic oversight of public education
High school graduation and learning standards
Supporting the goals of basic education
Educational system health, accountability, and recognition
Within each of those areas, the Board has identified key questions and initiatives in our Draft 2024-2028 Strategic Plan that we will focus on over the next four years. These efforts are aimed at bringing about necessary improvements in our education system.
We recommend you read and watch the materials prior to applying.
State Board of Education - Twitter Account, Instagram Account, YouTube, Facebook
Job Responsibilities
Serving on the State Board of Education is critically important work for the state's students. As such, it also represents a significant commitment of time and energy. While a typical week may take as little as a few hours engaging in Board activities, students can expect to spend as much as 20 hours engaged in Board work during meeting weeks.
The Student Board Member willl:
1. Prepare: Learn about education issues that the Board may be able to help address. This includes (at minimum) reading board materials and asking staff for any needed clarifications.
2. Participate: Board members are expected to regularly attend Board meetings and serve on at least one committee. As an active participant, you will be expected to listen with intent and share with purpose.
3. Represent: The two student Board members represent over one million students statewide. Find ways to engage with those you represent to collect their ideas so that you can share those back with the Board.
Additional activities may include:
Attend community forums, site visits, and other outreach and engagement events developed by the Board and partner organizations such as the Association of Washington Student Leaders - Student Voice Network.
Advocate on behalf of the Board with the legislature and other policy bodies and non-government organizations.
Connect with community organizations to learn from them and share the work of the Board.
Time Commitment
As noted above, students may spend as many as 20 hours engaged in Board work during meeting weeks. Meetings are typically scheduled in the even-numbered months and often require travel to various parts of the state. SBE staff will work with the students, families, and school officials to make travel arrangements and ensure any absences from school resulting from board work and excused absences.
The Board has seven regularly scheduled meetings per year. Eight meeting days fall during the typical school year. The meeting schedule includes:
Two-day in-person meetings typically begin Wednesday, the third full week of each even-numbered month. The regular schedule is as follows:
February (Olympia area);
April (Olympia area odd-numbered years due to long legislative session);
June (Three-Day Annual Meeting beginning on Tuesday - location based on departing student member location);
August (location varies)
October (location varies)
Online (half-day meetings): September, December.
In addition to regular Board meetings, the Board may occasionally hold a special meeting to address an urgent topic that needs to be addressed on a timeline outside of the regular meeting schedule.
Students are encouraged to participate in Board committee meetings, which take place in between meetings of the full Board. These are typically 1-hour meetings one to two times per month and in many cases, can be scheduled outside the regular school day.
Students are reimbursed for travel expenses and may earn a stipend of up to $100 per day for Board meetings and other required Board activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are the responsibilities of the Student State Board Representative? Are there a lot?
The main responsibility is preparing for and attending meetings. There would likely be one or two board meetings in each quarter. This could mean a three-day commitment for travel during the week of the meeting. While remote, it amounts to two 6-7 hours per day for two days. Reading and navigating through the SBE packet per meeting is key. (Students can meet with staff for an overview.) Board members are representative of their communities. Student members should see themselves in this capacity as well. Members should work with staff to engage with communities on behalf of the Board.
What are the privileges/benefits of this position?
You are a member of a state-level policy-making body. Student votes count, and student members are considered Board members. Students may also lead in the development or influence policies in several ways. Your view can make a difference for generations of Washington students to come. There is no explicit tie to scholarships, but this service looks very good on college and scholarship applications. Only one student in each graduating class is a State Board of Education member. You will also get to know policy leaders throughout the state who may be referenced for you in your postsecondary endeavors and/or when you go to work.
The application information stated that "serving on the State Board of Education is equivalent to having a part-time job”... Does this mean there will be compensation?
Students may receive up to a $100 per day stipend and travel reimbursement during official Board meetings or perform other duties approved by the Board Chair.
How will the student representative get to SBE meetings, and who pays for that?
The agency covers travel costs. Depending on your location, you may drive with another board member; if you can, and your parents allow it, you may drive yourself; some members fly as well, depending on where they live and the meeting location.
Application - Due: March 28th
The application components include:
A letter of support from a school representative (school administrator/educator/counselor, etc).
A letter of support from a chosen person in your life (family, friend, coach, etc.).
The application below.
Please complete the application below and upload your two letters of support to the application below.