On September 5, 2024, Governor Hochul signed into law Bill S.9018A/A.9855A, which requires that all school districts operative a high school and all BOCES establish procedures to designate at least one high school student as an ex officio, non-voting member of their Board of Education. The law, which went into effect on July 1, 2025, aims to provide an opportunity for students to build skills and habits of civic engagement while providing student voice to the work of the Board of Education. 

For the 2026-2027 school year, the Fairport Central School District Board of Education seeks one rising junior (current sophomore) to fill the 11^th grade ex officio student representative vacancy. Students must have been enrolled at Fairport High School for at least one academic year and must be in academic good standing. There is no compensation for this position. This will be a one-year position with an option for the Junior Board Member to renew without reapplying for senior year based on student and Board interest.

Ex officio students represent the student body and act as examples for the students of the District. Such students are expected to abide by all applicable Board policies, including the Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the position as determined by the Board. Student representatives will not attend executive sessions, vote or count towards the official quorum, nor will they be able to make motions during the meetings. Student representatives will be invited to attend Board retreats (learning sessions) at the discretion of the Board and interest of the students. 

It is the expectation of the Board that the student representatives will attend monthly business meetings and workshops. We understand that student schedules are often packed and subject to conflicts, but it will be the responsibility of the students to ensure that at least the Junior or Senior Board Member is present at all meetings. The Board may declare the seat vacant if the student member fails to attend three consecutive Board meetings without sufficient excuse. 

During the communication portion of the Board business meetings, student representatives will be asked to give a summary of current happenings in the District as well as detailed information about one school in the District, ensuring all schools are covered over the course of the academic year. Information for these summaries includes but is not limited to celebrations, traditions, academic insights and other relevant information as determined by the student representative in partnership with the school administrator. 

In addition to the summary, the Board asks that the student representatives provide pertinent information and student insight on agenda items within reason. The Board asks that student representatives share questions, concerns, insights and thoughts they are hearing from their peers that may help inform the Board in determining the direction of the District. To ensure this position is meaningful for the student representatives as well as the Board and District, the student representatives will have support from a designated Board mentor to help them in organizing their thoughts for the monthly summary and agenda items.

Nomination and Application Process 

Rising juniors (current sophomores) who wish to nominate themselves for the 11th grade ex officio student representative vacancy must complete the following requirements:

1. A nominating petition, including signatures from 10 students each from grades 10, 11 and 12
2. An essay of no more than 500 words describing why they are interested in this position and how they demonstrate leadership abilities; strong academic standing and involvement; and the willingness and ability to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of the position

Please submit the completed essay and nominating petition via the online application form or to administrative assistant Becky Rhoades at the Fairport High School main office by noon Friday, March 20, 2026.

Once the March 20 deadline for submissions has passed, a selection committee comprised of Board members and District adminstrators will blindly score each essay. The top candidates will then participate in an interview with the selection committee. The expectation is the process will be finalized and the new student representative determined by the annual reorganization meeting in July. In instances of vacancies, the Board will direct the Superintendent to facilitate a replacement.

Please write an essay of no more than 500 words describing why you are interested in this position and how you demonstrate the following three criteria.

• Leadership Abilities, including but not limited to: 
  • Awareness of diverse student perspectives, 
  • Willingness to engage with students from different backgrounds, 
  • Problem-solving skills,
  • Clear and concise communication,
  • Ability to effectively convey the student experience,
  • Comfortable speaking in public,
  • Responsible and reliable, and/or
  • Positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Strong academic standing and involvement, including but not limited to:
  • Maintaining academic good standing, 
  • Demonstrating a commitment to learning, 
  • Participation in extracurricular activities (this is not limited to school-sponsored activities), and/or
  • Demonstrated experience in leadership roles 
• Willingness and ability to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of this position:
  • Attend monthly Board of Education business meetings and workshops
  • Meet with members of the student body at all schools in the District to learn about their school’s programs, activities, initiatives and potential areas for improvement
  • Give a summary of current happenings at Fairport High School and across the District
  • Share questions, concerns, insights and thoughts you are hearing from your peers that may help inform the Board in determining the direction of the District

Once the March 20 deadline for submissions has passed, a selection committee comprised of Board members and District administrators will blindly score each essay against the below rubric.