Unlike most schools in our area that have nine members on the school board, Tyrone’s board has eleven members. The two extra members don’t vote, but that doesn’t mean they are not an important part of the board. 

These two extra seats are reserved for the board’s student representatives. For the 2017- 2018 school year they are senior Grayson Putt and junior Hannah Gampe.

These students help bring a student perspective to the board. Even though the representatives can’t vote on policy or hiring, and cannot attend confidential meetings, they can attend the public meetings, and voice their opinion.

“It is important for any student on the school board to recognize the opportunity for what it is and understand that what they have been able to do in serving is a privilege and should be treated as such,” Putt said.

Putt and Gampe are expected to go to every board meeting, and they have assigned seats at the board table.

“Students should have a voice within their school district. I’m excited to represent my grade level and to try something new like this,” said Gampe.

The program began during the 2012-2013 school year.  According to the published board policy, the student representatives are to “act as intermediaries between the student body of the district and the Board. The representatives should convey the students’ concerns and opinions to the Board. The Board should also consult with the student representatives for first-hand input on facility and educational matters.”

The student representatives were nominated by a selection committee comprised of the principal, the dean of students, and a high school faculty member, and the superintendent makes the final decision.

The student representatives are nominated by a selection committee comprised of the principal, the dean of students, and a high school faculty member. The superintendent makes the final selection.  According to board policy, when selecting the representatives, the committee should “consider each student’s leadership abilities, communication skills, responsibility, discipline, and dedication. Outstanding students will be considered for this position.”

Putt is involved in POPs, track and field indoor/outdoor, ski club, powder puff coach for two years, and fine arts competitions.

“I wanted to be a representative because I knew it was an honor to be able to do so, and I would be glad to serve my school and take the opportunity if they needed me to,” stated Putt.

Gampe is also involved in YAN, NHS, Aevidum, speech team, tennis, swimming, POPS Extension, the spring musical and has played piano for eight years.

“I wanted to get involved this school year and I thought representing my grade level in front of the school board was a good way to do that,” said Gampe.

The students on the school board will help the board become interactive with the students and help the run more successfully.