Otselic Valley Central School District

On January 21, 2021, Senior Paige Warren was sworn in as student member of the Otselic Valley Board of Education for the 2020-2021 school year.  District Clerk Gail Burpee administered the oath of office and received Paige’s signature in the Oath of Office Register, which made it official. This follows Board approval of Paige's appointment in December.  (Due to COVID, it was not possible to accomplish the swearing in at that time.) As an ex-officio non-voting member appointed by the Superintendent, Paige will have the opportunity to sit with the board at all public board meetings except executive sessions. Like student members who preceded her, Paige may contribute to meetings by reporting on student initiatives and concerns.Paige’s position reflects OV’s intent to raise student leaders and empower students to help shape the direction of our school. Previously, students as stakeholders helped develop the district Strategic Plan, and others will soon be part of a new Student Advisory Council whose intent is to provide student-led opportunities and problem-solving. Additionally, Student Government provides leadership by students, for students, in their work with advisors on key events and initiatives.“As student school board member, Paige Warren will serve as a liaison between board level policy and the classroom,” Superintendent Georgia Gonzalez explained. “She will serve as a trustee on behalf of all O V C S D students for the board, as well as engage her peers on issues of interest and importance to the students. I look forward to working with Paige at a district-wide level to engage students, offer opportunities, and continue fostering the district’s strategic plan.”Voters first approved the addition of student school board members in 2018. Previous students in this role included Maddisyn Mackrell (2019-2020) and Jolanda Ponce (2018-2019).