First ever student rep to bring a new perspective to board of education

Northport High School junior Jaiden Mir has been selected by the student body to serve as the school district’s first ever board of education student representative. He will serve in the role for the 2025-2026 school year.

As part of the student election process, Mir participated in an interview filmed by the high school’s media arts students. He was asked questions prepared by seniors in the LEAD class, a course focused on participation in government and economics that helps prepare students for leadership roles. The candidate interviews were shown schoolwide during social studies classes, after which students were able to vote for their preferred candidate.

Each of the two candidates expressed interest in the role of student rep after all students were informed of the opportunity by Robert Dennis, the high school’s principal.  

“I am excited that I get to represent the student voice for our schools,” Mir said. “It is an honor to serve as the first student in this role, and my hope is that I meet the needs of my fellow classmates.”

Although the ex-officio student representative is not able to vote or attend executive sessions, Mir may attend all public board of education meetings and will contribute a valuable student perspective to the board, school officials stated in an announcement earlier today. Student representatives are also unable to attend any meeting or hearing that is not open to the public (student disciplinary hearings and special education placement hearings, for example).

Last year, NYS Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation mandating the inclusion of school board student representatives in every school district in the state with high school grades. BOCES governing boards are also required to have at least one student member.

The requirement takes effect in the 2025-2026 school year.