Lockport School District 205 Welcomes New Student Board Members

Lockport Township High School District 205 has appointed four students as members of its school board for the 2023-2024 academic year. Seniors Ryan Gleason, James Wyatt, Abigail Carroll, and Evelyn Siedlarczyk were officially sworn in using the same oath of office as the elected board members during a ceremony held on August 11, 2023.

Gleason and Wyatt will serve as the primary student representatives, attending all monthly meetings, special sessions, and workshops alongside their elected counterparts. Carroll has been designated as the student member for the Finance and Facilities Committee, while Siedlarczyk will represent the Curriculum Committee. This initiative marks the third consecutive year that the school district has included student members on its board, a program launched in 2021 to enhance student participation in district leadership.

The selection process for the student board members commenced in April, attracting interest from 24 applicants. In May, twelve finalists were interviewed by board members and district administration to determine the final appointees. In addition to their roles in the meetings, Wyatt and Gleason will produce a monthly video recap of the board meetings, ensuring their fellow students stay informed about the district’s decisions and discussions.

This effort to amplify student voices reflects the district’s commitment to fostering community engagement and providing a platform for youth perspectives in educational governance. By involving students directly in the decision-making processes, Lockport School District 205 aims to create a more inclusive environment that considers the views of its younger constituents. The integration of student members into the school board is seen as a vital step in promoting transparency and accountability within the district’s leadership.

As the school year progresses, the contributions of Gleason, Wyatt, Carroll, and Siedlarczyk will be closely monitored, with the expectation that their insights will enrich discussions and decisions affecting the student body.