Abstract
Purposes and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the perceptions of superintendents, school board presidents, and student board members in twenty-nine Los Angeles County school districts toward the management of the position of the student board member. In particular, the purpose of the study was to determine the perceptions of the three responding groups toward the selection process, preparation, acceptance, role expectation, and evaluation of the student board member. After a review of literature, a 22-item questionnaire was developed and submitted to superintendents, board-presidents, and student board members of the 29 sample districts. Responses were received from 78 of the 87 persons, a 90 percent return. Responses to questionnaires were tabulated and analyzed using the chi-square test of independent measures with a .05 level of significance and the index of association. Findings and Conclusions. Each of the five null hypotheses was accepted as there was no significant difference in the perceptions of the superintendents, board presidents, and student board members. The majority of the respondents perceived that the management of the student board member position was represented by a designated adult and provided little on-going in-service. Also the student board member received status and recognition by the other board members, attempted to represent student concerns, and fulfilled a useful contribution in student involvement in decision making on the district level. Recommendations. Further study is recommended on the potential impact of a voting student board member on district decision making. Districts should involve students in decision making at the district level through a non-voting student board member position and provide in-service, create acceptance of the position, and establish a communication between students and the board of education.