School boards would answer student proposals and form advisory councils

Student representatives could present formal written proposals, and boards would issue public written replies. This would cover New Jersey districts serving grades nine through 12, excluding charter school boards. Boards could approve proposals, refer them for study with a set time for reconsideration, or reject them with written reasons. Boards would reply within 60 days after the representative presents the proposal at a public board meeting.

School boards would create councils that gather student concerns and send formal recommendations. This would cover New Jersey districts serving grades nine through 12, excluding charter school boards. Councils would include two students from each high school, the board’s student representative, and student government representatives where appropriate. The council requirement would first apply in the first full school year after enactment.

Student representatives could submit written recommendations that boards would record in their official meeting minutes. This would cover matters boards judge would mainly and directly affect high school students, excluding charter school boards. Recommendations would not count as votes or toward the number of board members needed to conduct business. Boards would retain final decision-making authority. Representatives could submit recommendations before the board’s final vote.