The Wayzata School Board held a work session this week to explore the idea of adding a student representative to the board.
Board Chair Milind Sohoni opened the meeting by clarifying that no recommendation or resolution would be made, and that the evening’s purpose was strictly informational. The session was framed as an opportunity to gather input, review possible models, and weigh potential benefits and challenges.
Invited guests included Katie Clenderwood of the Minnesota School Boards Association, Hopkins School Board member Dr. Jen Westmoreland, and Hopkins High School student Claire Fisher. Together, they shared background on student participation in board governance, noting that more than 130 districts across Minnesota currently seat student representatives in an advisory role.
The Hopkins delegation outlined their district’s approach, where nine to ten high school students serve as board representatives. They provide reports at meetings, engage peers for feedback, and contribute to discussions on issues such as school safety, policy changes, and calendar planning.
Board members asked questions about student selection, time commitments, and how participation fits within the regular school day. Hopkins representatives acknowledged challenges but emphasized the value of student perspectives in board decision-making.
The session concluded without action, serving instead as an information-gathering step as Wayzata leaders consider whether a student advisory position may fit within the district’s governance structure.
