Student School Board member is ‘essential’ for student perspective

LAUREL — It could be said that Reggan Kuhlman is the eyes and ears of Laurel-Concord-Coleridge High School.

As the student school board member, she represents the student perspective, providing insight into student activities, programs and needs.

“It’s a big responsibility and I hope to fill that the best I can,” she said.

At the end of their junior year, interested students apply to be the student school board member for their senior year. Part of the application includes a written essay and interview by the board’s Committee on American Civics.

Kuhlman’s father, Dan, is a current school board member and nudged her to apply, but she had been thinking about the opportunity prior to his encouragement.

“I wanted to apply to take an active role in my school’s development,” she said. “I also felt that I would play an important role in the community.”

Kuhlman’s duties include attending each board meeting and presenting a written and oral report.

She admits being nervous for her first report in September but much more comfortable with her latest report at the school board meeting last week.

“I mainly include whatever is happening at the school,” she said, how the sports teams are doing and updated happenings with school clubs.

She can’t participate in executive session, make motions or even vote but her role is essential, said Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen said.

“They take an oath of office,” Christiansen said. “It mimics the regular school board process.”

Selected student board members are also awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored by Security Bank.

Having a program set aside to select a student school board member also serves as a way to encourage student involvement in community service and civic life, Christiansen said.

“When kids are engaged they can develop civic mindedness,” he said.

Along with her work on the school board, Kuhlman is also an active part of the Accountability and Design Committee for the LCC building project.

Kuhlman is the third student board member the school has had in as many years. Kylie Kempf and Brianna Campbell served previously.

Christiansen brought the idea to the board after experiencing student board members at Fairbury Public School where he served as principal.

“Board members are interested in the student perspective and they gain greater insight into student activities.

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