2015 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 79
BY SENATOR CLAITOR AND REPRESENTATIVE CARTER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To urge and request each city, parish, and local public school board to provide for high
school student interaction with the school board in an informative, advisory, and
nonvoting capacity.
WHEREAS, the Constitution of Louisiana provides that the goal of the public
educational system is "to provide learning environments and experiences, at all stages of
human development, that are humane, just, and designed to promote excellence in order that
every individual may be afforded an equal opportunity to develop to his full potential"; and
WHEREAS, providing students with civic learning environments in high school will
afford young people the opportunity to develop to their full potential as active citizens in a
representative democracy; and
WHEREAS, while civic engagement by young people serves to enhance and make
communities in Louisiana stronger as they grow to be informed citizens, civic participation
as student representatives to local school boards will allow young people to develop strong
life-skills through interaction with policymakers while representing their peers in a manner
that will impact local policies that reflect the needs and attitudes of the next generation; and
WHEREAS, young people will be empowered with direct representation and
provided an opportunity to experience the district decision making process in those decisions
that affect their learning environments; and
WHEREAS, creating an opportunity for a meaningful dialogue between school board
members and students in the school district will serve as a source of regular feedback from
the young people who are directly impacted by school board policy; and
WHEREAS, experiential learning through youth engagement at the local school
board level will allow the leaders of tomorrow to learn firsthand from the leaders of today.
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
urge and request each city, parish, and local public school board to provide for high school
student interaction with the school board in an informative, advisory, and nonvoting capacity
through methods such as a superintendent advisory council, a student affairs committee, or
appointment of a high school student from the school district to serve as a representative to
the board in matters directly involving students.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any decision to include such student
representation shall be made by each city, parish, and local public school board and based
on selection criteria determined by the respective board.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in determining selection criteria, each school
board may consider the student sustaining at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, the
student's interest in civic engagement and bettering the local community, and
recommendations from school representatives, such as the student's school principal or
guidance counselor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted
to the Louisiana School Boards Association.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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