LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — A student representative will soon be part of the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority governing board for the first time.
Matthew Birru of Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas said he owes the opportunity to provide a new perspective on that board to his family, who he called “gracious.” He hopes to turn that family-learned grace into a voice for his peers.
“I want to represent these students,” Birru said. “Give more input, better perspective.”
Birru won’t vote, but he can bring his peers’ concerns to the people who might be able to take action on them. Birru said he already has an agenda.
“A lot of students are not happy with [the new] rules; we have to wear these ID badges everywhere,” Birru said, adding that some of the new rules have created rifts between students.
Officials believe the position will allow board members to learn about students, and for students to learn about the board.
“He’s going to learn a lot, we’re going to learn a lot,” said Melissa Mackedon, executive director of the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority, who added that she expects competition to become a student representative to become stiffer.