High school students in CMS are participating in the election for the Student Advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, with voting open from October 21 to November 5. A total of ten finalists, including eight juniors and two sophomores, are competing for the role, highlighting increased student engagement and representation since 2016. The current advisor, Ailen De Bonis, will be succeeded by a candidate who serves for the year 2025.
As early voting progresses in North Carolina, high school students from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) are participating in an election for the position of Student Advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. This election enables all students in grades nine through twelve to put forth their votes from October 21 through November 5. While only students aged 18 and older may vote in presidential, state, and local elections, all CMS students can contribute to this initiative. The Student Advisor position, created in 2016 to enhance communication between students and the Board, allows the selected individual to attend Board meetings and voice their peers’ concerns, albeit without voting privileges. Additionally, the Student Advisor will serve as an officer on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, the unified student advisory council among CMS, the county, and the city. The new advisor will serve from January to December 2025, with Ailen De Bonis currently holding the position. This year saw a substantial increase of 59% in applications, rising from 93 in 2023 to 148 in 2024, with candidates representing every comprehensive high school in the district. Dee Rankin, Vice-Chair of the Board of Education, stated, “The student advisor plays an important role in Board thinking and decisions,” expressing satisfaction with the increased pool of candidates and underscoring the importance of student perspectives in informing Board decisions. The finalists for this year’s position include: – Gabriel Guerra Barceló, 11th grade from Charlotte Engineering Early College. He advocates for minorities and improved communication between the board and students. – Quinten Canty, also 11th grade from West Charlotte High School, aims to empower underrepresented students and ensure their voices are valued. – Tatiana Collins of Independence High School seeks to bridge the gap between students and board members, focusing on increasing student awareness of available resources. – Alejandra Flores, 11th grade from Olympic High School, wishes to create a safe space for all students and better attendance policies for students facing unforeseen challenges. – Sydney Glover of Garinger High School aspires to amplify the voices of underserved students and enhance communication across the district. – Katelyn Morton from Northwest School for the Arts is committed to equitable access to arts education and resources. – Ngozi Nwauwa, 10th grade from East Mecklenburg High School, emphasizes the need for individualized support for students to reach their academic potential. – Lucy Silverstein, 11th grade from Providence High School, channels her advocacy for inclusivity and mental health resources, drawing from her personal experiences. – Madden Wilkinson, a 10th grader from Hopewell High School, intends to promote mental health resources and strengthen ties between students and the board.
The Student Advisor role was established to ensure that students’ voices are heard within the Board of Education, striving to create a connection between student needs and administrative decisions. This position is particularly important in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where diverse perspectives can influence educational policies affecting all students. With a significant rise in applicant interest over time, it highlights a growing engagement among CMS students regarding their education and representation.
In summary, the election for the Student Advisor to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education offers high school students an invaluable opportunity to influence their educational environment. With a diverse group of finalists dedicated to advocating for the needs of their peers, the initiative promises to enhance student representation and involvement in crucial decision-making processes. The increased interest in this position underscores the importance of student engagement in shaping a supportive educational community.
Original Source: www.charlotteobserver.com
