Daily Herald editorial

Much good may come from the Austin Public School board’s plan to include input from two student representatives at their monthly board meetings.

The board decided earlier this week to seek volunteers from among the district’s high school juniors and seniors, students who will commit to attending board meetings and whose maturity and leadership skills will position them to offer the board advice on how students see issues.

Despite a culture that in many ways dotes on its young people, American organizations far too often do not do a good job of seeking — or respecting — the opinions of teenagers. It is refreshing that the Austin school board is willing to reach out to students, something that very few school boards do.

Beyond the benefits to the board, the students involved also stand to gain a lot from the experience. Local government is an approachable, understandable example of the American democracy at work. Being involved at an early age would be superb complement to any student’s high school education.

We hope there is no shortage of volunteers for the new positions. And we congratulate the school board on its foresight and willingness to try new ideas.