The Sedalia Board of Education recognizes the unique perspectives held by students on issues impacting the school district. Therefore, a high school student of the Sedalia School District #200 will serve as a nonvoting advisor to the board, pursuant to this policy.

Students interested in serving as the student advisor to the Sedalia Board of Education will submit a one- to two-page essay to the Smith-Cotton High School (SCHS) Scholarship Committee and an appointed Board member explaining how they would represent the students on the Sedalia Board of Education. The Scholarship Committee and an appointed Board member will select two or three candidates to be presented to the Smith-Cotton High School student body for election to the Sedalia Board of Education as the student advisor. The election will be held in May each year. The term will begin August 1 each year and end on May 31 of the same school year. The student advisor may only serve one term. The student advisor exists at the discretion of the Sedalia Board of Education.

A student must be a sophomore or junior to serve in this position. In addition, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student (may include dual enrollment) in the district throughout his or her one-year term. The student selected may not have been suspended from high school or suspended from any high school-sponsored activities before or during his or her term. The student representative shall not violate any of the provisions of the discipline code as set forth in the Smith-Cotton High School Student Handbook. The Board reserves the right to remove a student as student advisor for any reason including, but not limited to, situations where the student is suspended from school, violates the law, fails to attend the necessary meetings, or is no longer enrolled in school. In the event a vacancy is created due to a removal or resignation, the Scholarship Committee will nominate another student for the remainder of the term upon appointment by the Board.

The student advisor is expected to attend all regular Board meetings unless excused by the Board. The student advisor may be directed by the Board to report on particular issues. The student advisor will be expected to communicate with district students on a regular basis at all district schools. The student advisor may not vote on any issue and will not have access to closed information. The student advisor will receive the same Board packet distributed to the rest of the Board, except for any closed information.

Once appointed, the student advisor will meet with the Board president, superintendent or designee for training. Minimally, the student advisor will be informed of the Sunshine Law, basic parliamentary procedure and Board policies affecting the operation of Board meetings.