Dawson Kelly, a sophomore at San Marcos High School, has been selected as the student board member for the Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education following elections at each high school for representatives and an interview process for all finalists with board members.
Kelly’s one-year term begins July 1 and is in conjunction with board policy outlining the role. Kelly will be an advisory voting member of the board on all matters except those subject to closed session.
As a student board member, he will participate in discussion, and offer his preferential vote on some agenda items. With a preferential vote, the student’s vote is recorded in the board meeting minutes, but does not affect the final outcome of a voting item.
“I’m so very excited and honored,” said Kelly, who has served as San Marcos High’s freshman and sophomore class president. He is also involved with San Marcos Mocktrial, Santa Barbara Youth & Government, and The Youth Wellness Connection Council.
“I hope that I can bring change and give input to this board from the student perspective,” he said. “I’ll be reaching out to every student in SB Unified with the goal of making education more equitable, and hopefully to get more mental health services on campus. Thank you so much to the board.”
The district will provide a student board member orientation and training this summer. Kelly was selected for the role from four finalists (one from each school site).
Santa Barbara High, Dos Pueblos High and San Marcos High schools conducted schoolwide outreach, and finalists were nominated through an election process for 9th-11th grade students. La Cuesta/Alta Vista nominated their finalist following an outreach and application process.
“We are so grateful to all of the students who interviewed with us and made our selection process very very difficult,” said Kate Ford, board president. “Congratulations to all four finalists, and we all congratulate Dawson.”
“It is important to remain focused on the role of student voice in our school district,” said school Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “By adding a student board member we will ensure that their voices are not only heard but also highly valued.”