Goodrich – Attending a school board meeting may be educational, but for two GHS students, the opportunity to serve on the board is priceless.
Goodrich Board of Education Student Representatives Jeremy Phan and Samantha Minkler aren’t set on political aspirations, but felt they couldn’t pass up the chance to sit on the board.
Jeremy is considering a career in zoology.
‘I’m not really into politics all that much, but it’s interesting to know what’s going on,? said Jeremy, a senior who became interested in becoming a student representative at the recommendation of last year’s senior student representative Jake Custer.
Student school board representatives are nominated and elected through the student council, Jeremy said.
This year Jeremy encouraged Samantha, a junior, to fill a student seat on the board. Both Jeremy and Samantha run on the GHS track and cross country teams, and serve on student council and in the National Honor Society.
Samantha needed little urging.
‘I was really interested in the way the school worked,’she said. ‘I knew it was something you only get to experience once, so I thought it was a good idea.?
Samantha is deliberating over her future profession. She’s considered running as a legislator, or working for the United Nations.
Career paths aside, being active on the school board gives an in-depth look at issues facing a district and its residents, say the students.
‘It’s a good opportunity to get to know about the community’all the people involved in Goodrich’and the different decisions they make,? said Jeremy, whose board experience may prompt him to run for office after completing his education.
Last year’s search for administrators was an eye-opener for Jeremy. Although student representatives don’t get a vote in board matters, they took an active role in the research.
After attending her first meeting Sept. 13, Samantha expressed surprise that board members get involved with more than bond issues.
‘They actually care about us and what we’re interested in,? she said. ‘I think that’s really neat.?