PUSD Board of Education Seeks 2011-12 Student Board Member

Victoria Wu has a big voice as the Board of Education student board member. The Westview High School senior represents all students in the district.

As the student representative, Wu attends school board meetings, studies the issues coming before the board and serves as the student voice for the district. She also attends other community events along with the board.

“I felt like it was time for me during my last year as a student in our district to really give back and voice my opinions and leave something for the district to remember me by,” Wu said.

Wu, along with board members and PUSD administration staff, will soon select the next student board member. Interested sophomores and juniors are required to submit their applications by April 20.

“Any student who is interested in government or in politics or is just interested in the district itself, I think should apply,” Wu said. “It’s an experience that cannot be described in words. It really allows you to mature and develop those skills that you need in the outside world.”

Wu said she has learned a lot from her experience.

“It can be a little stressful hearing about the issues. Not all issues are positive, and not all issues are shown in a positive manner to the public,” Wu said. “It’s really allowed me to grow up and mature to a level that just being in school wouldn’t teach you. ... It’s been an experience that’s been rewarding.”

Wu said her favorite moment was attending the Rancho Bernardo Fourth of July parade with the school board members.

“It was a lot of fun getting to know the Board of Education personally and getting to meet their children and grandchildren,” she said.

The most difficult part, she said, has been learning about the budget crisis and how it might impact local students.

“Even though I won’t personally be a student in the district, it’s still hard to hear what students might have to go through regarding budget issues,” she said.

Board President Penny Ranftle described Wu’s role as “a liaison between the students and the school board.”

“We’re not just interested in the student board member’s perspective, but in how they’re going to communicate with the schools and be a voice for all students,” Ranftle said.

Ranftle added that it’s important to have student input because “that’s what we’re all about.”

“That’s why we’re here,” she said.

The Board of Education, Ranftle explained, has had student representatives since she has been on the board. She said that there were multiple representatives from different schools who came to the meeting to give reports and then leave. About 10 years ago, the board gave student members advisory votes.

“Their role diminished over time, not because of anything we did, but students were not as engaged as we would have liked,” Ranftle said.

“We really wanted to have a voice, so we decided the best way to do it was to have one rep that represented all students,” she said. “They would have an increased feeling of engagement because of the selection process.”

Ranftle said Wu has been an “amazing” addition to the board.

“Victoria has been fabulous,” Ranftle said. “What a remarkable young woman! We were so lucky. Whoever comes along has big shoes to fill, but we have so many talented students in our district that I’m confident we will find the right person.”

A maximum of six finalists will be selected from the applicants. The Student Board Member Selection Committee will interview the candidates. The PUSD Student Board member will be presented to the board, superintendent and public at the May 24 school board meeting.

Ranftle suggested students should only apply if they are able to commit their time to the position.

“It is time consuming, so make sure you have time for it,” she said. “If you aren’t 100 percent sure, then please don’t apply. We really need someone who is going to dedicate the time it takes to be a voice for all students.”

Wu, who graduates this year, added that it’s an “amazing experience” for any student. After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year college to study medicine so that she can combine her background in medicine and her interest in politics to bring about changes in legislation and public health.

“It seems like a tough job, and it is. It’s challenging, but it’s also really rewarding,” Wu said about the position. “Knowing that you’re acting as a voice on behalf of all the students in Poway Unified is a dream come true. It’s amazing.”

For more information about the position and the application process, see here.