High school students from CMS are participating in a pivotal election for the 2025 student advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. The election features ten finalists, with voting open from October 21 to November 5. The student advisor serves as a liaison between students and the board, attending meetings and voicing student concerns, although lacks voting authority. The role aims to enhance student representation and engagement within the educational governance process, reflecting increased student interest and participation.
As early voting progresses in North Carolina, students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) are also actively participating in the electoral process by voting for the 2025 student advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. This election features eight junior and two sophomore finalists, with voting open to all CMS students in grades nine through twelve from October 21 until November 5, coinciding with Election Day. It is noteworthy that only those students who turn 18 by Election Day and meet other criteria will be eligible to vote in the broader elections for presidential, state, and local positions. The student advisor role, established in 2016, was designed to facilitate communication between students and the board, ensuring that student perspectives are represented in board discussions, although the advisor does not have voting rights. This position requires the advisor to attend all board meetings and also serve as an officer of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, which integrates student governance across CMS, Mecklenburg County, and the city of Charlotte, in partnership with Generation Nation. The newly elected student advisor will begin their service in January and continue until December. The current student advisor, Ailen De Bonis, a senior at Ardrey Kell High School, has exemplified the importance of this position. The number of applications for this role has seen a remarkable increase of 59 percent this year, climbing from 93 applications in 2023 to 148 in 2024, with submissions received from every comprehensive high school in the district for the first time. Dee Rankin, vice-chair of the Board of Education and a member of the finalist selection committee, emphasized the significance of the student advisor’s contributions to board deliberations: “The student advisor plays an important role in Board thinking and decisions.” She expressed satisfaction with the increased participation and the acknowledgment of this role as a genuine opportunity for students to influence board decisions through their unique perspectives. This year’s finalists include: – Gabriel Guerra Barceló, 11th grade, Charlotte Engineering Early College: He aims to advocate for minority students and improve communication between students and the board. – Quinten Canty, 11th grade, West Charlotte High School: Focused on representing underprivileged communities and empowering students. – Tatiana Collins, 11th grade, Independence High School: Seeks to enhance student engagement and make resources more accessible. – Alejandra Flores, 11th grade, Olympic High School: Advocates for inclusion and safer space for all students. – Sydney Glover, 11th grade, Garinger High School: Strives to give a voice to underserved students and improve communication. – Katelyn Morton, 11th grade, Northwest School for the Arts: Emphasizes the need for increased arts education and equitable access to resources. – Ngozi Nwauwa, 10th grade, East Mecklenburg High School: Committed to helping students achieve academic success through individualized resources. – Lucy Silverstein, 11th grade, Providence High School: Focused on inclusivity and advocating for mental health resources.
The establishment of the student advisor position to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education marks an important development in engaging students within the educational governance process. Created to facilitate a direct line of communication between students and board members, this role allows for the representation of student concerns in decision-making, though the advisor does not possess voting rights. The upcoming election, coinciding with broader elections in North Carolina, highlights the active participation of youth in civic responsibility and enhances the visibility of student voices in local governance.
In conclusion, the election of the student advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education represents a significant opportunity for high school students to engage with their educational governance. The increased interest in this position demonstrates a commitment to enhancing student representation and dialogue with the board, with finalists articulating diverse priorities aimed at fostering inclusivity and improving resources for their peers. As these students prepare to cast their votes, they embody the importance of youth engagement in shaping the future of education within their district.
Original Source: www.charlotteobserver.com
