Lake George Central School District students Annie Fish and Elizabeth Pape are making history this year as the district’s first-ever student members of the Board of Education. Their appointments follow a new state law that took effect on July 1 requiring all New York school districts to include at least one student representative on their boards.
To help prepare for the role, Annie and Elizabeth joined student leaders from across the state at the first-ever training for student board members, hosted by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). The event emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping decisions that directly affect school communities.
Both students expressed excitement for the opportunity and a strong sense of responsibility. They see their positions as a way to bridge communication between the student body and district leadership, ensuring that student perspectives are heard at the decision-making table.
“This job matters,” said Elizabeth. “There is real value in having students contribute to these important conversations.”
Annie added that she hopes to “make sure students’ voices are taken seriously and thoughtfully represented.”
As Lake George’s first student board members, Annie and Elizabeth are eager to set the tone for future student leaders. Their involvement marks a new chapter in district leadership, one where students have a formal role in guiding the future of their district.