The Learning Curve: From Paychecks to Full Voting Rights – Student Board Members Seek More Influence”
San Diego Unified’s student board members are now compensated with a monthly paycheck of about $1,700, marking a significant move as the district became the first in California to pay student board members following the enactment of a statewide law. Blessyn Lavender-Williams and Matthew Quitoriano, student board members, applauded the change during a press event at Lincoln High, emphasizing how it removes barriers for students, particularly those balancing work and school commitments.
Student Board
Despite this milestone, Quitoriano is already focusing on the next objective: securing full voting rights for student members. Currently, student members only have preferential votes, which do not contribute to the final tally. Quitoriano finds it ironic to be paid for a position without having a real vote, and Trustee Richard Barrera views the lack of full voting rights as a significant problem, stating that disenfranchising students weakens decision-making processes.
The issue of full voting rights for student board members has been a subject of discussion in the district. In a May 2022 board meeting, a resolution supporting a statewide bill that would grant student members full voting rights was proposed by former student board member Zachary Patterson but did not pass. Some concerns raised included legal technicalities and the potential influence of student board members on the adult trustees elected by registered voters.
Patterson, now advocating for full voting rights, compared the questioning of student board members’ competency to historical instances of restricting voting rights based on race and gender. Superintendent Lamont Jackson believes the board generally supports voting rights for students, but there are unanswered nuances. Patterson is actively working to gain statewide approval for student board members’ full voting rights, navigating technical challenges and potential amendments to the city charter.
Quitoriano acknowledges the political barriers but urges a collective effort to demonstrate that students deserve a voice on the Board of Education. Patterson emphasizes the need for a significant coalition effort to bring about the desired change and build trust within the community.
