STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPLICATION 2026
APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN JANUARY 2026
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:
We are looking for students who are willing to commit the time and energy required to represent their peers. You do not need prior experience in education policy or formal student leadership to apply.
We value students who can understand and communicate the experiences of a wide range of students—especially those who have not been well served by our education system. This includes students whose experiences may involve academic challenges, alternative learning pathways, or navigating school while facing barriers outside of the classroom.
With that, there are a few basic requirements. Eligible students must:
Reside in Washington State and attend a public or private school during their term (2026–2027).
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 Board responsibilities, including attending scheduled State Board of Education Board meetings.
Have a positive academic and/or extracurricular record, which may be demonstrated by grades, activities, accomplishments, and/or recommendations of peers, educators, or community members.
Commit to making up missed schoolwork due to Board meetings and related activities.
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 student's ability 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. This position requires a significant commitment of time and energy. While a typical week may include a few hours of Board activities, students can expect to spend as much as 20 hours on 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 31st, 2026
Finalists will be notified by - Monday, April 13th, 2026
Finalists interviewed (will be conducted virtually) - Before May 1st, 2026
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 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.
Video: Former Student Board Member Cástulo González Reflects on Time With Board
Video: Meet your Student Representatives on the State Board of Education
State Board of Education Social Media - Instagram, 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 will:
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 up to 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 students, families, and school officials to make travel arrangements and ensure that any absences from school resulting from board work are excused.
The Board has seven regularly scheduled meetings per year. Eight meeting days fall during the typical school year. The meeting schedule includes:
Meetings typically begin on Wednesday, the third whole week of each even-numbered month. These include a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. For 2026, the schedule is as follows:
February 11-12 (In-person, Olympia)
April 15-16 (Virtual)
June 23-25 (In-person, Location TBD)
August 12-13 (Virtual)
September 10 (Virtual)
October 14-15 (In-person, Location TBD)
December 10 (Virtual)
In addition to regular Board meetings, the Board may occasionally hold a special meeting to address an urgent topic on a timeline outside the regular meeting schedule.
Students are encouraged to participate in Board committee meetings, which take place 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 to prepare for and attend meetings. There would likely be one or two board meetings in each quarter. This could mean a three-day travel commitment during the week of the meeting. While remote, it amounts to two 6-7 hours per day for two days. Reading and navigating the SBE packet for each meeting is key. (Students can meet with staff for an overview.) Board members represent 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?
Student board members receive a stipend of up to $100 per day for Board activities and are reimbursed for travel expenses. Beyond compensation, serving on the Board is a unique professional development opportunity and a powerful platform for student voice. Students shape education policy, represent students across Washington, and share perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. Students gain leadership skills, policy experience, and professional connections that can support future goals after high school. Student members meet and work alongside policy and education leaders from across the state, many of whom can serve as strong professional references for career, college, or military applications.
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 for other duties approved by the Board Chair.
How will the student representative get to SBE meetings, and who will pay for it?
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.