Mississippi Board of Education Could Add Student Advisers

Two Mississippi public high school students could soon become advisers to the state Board of Education.The board on Thursday asked for public comment on a proposal to add the student representatives beginning in July. They wouldn't have a vote, but supporters say they could provide important student perspective to the state's K-12 governing body. To give the students a vote on the board would require a change in state law.Students with a 2.5 grade-point average who are enrolled in a public or charter high school could apply, with finalists being interviewed and chosen by the board. A senior and a junior would serve in the initial year. After that, the junior would continue for a second year, with a new junior being added each year for a two-year term.The state Board of Education could vote on the plan in November.