Salem Central School District has selected a student from its senior class to serve as a non-voting member on the Board of Education for the 2025-26 school year.
“I wanted to be more involved in the school and the decisions being made because I want to know more about what is going on when I can,” shared the newest face to Salem’s Board of Education, 12th grader Wyatt Armer-Marion. “I felt like they needed someone who is interested in making changes and not just sitting on the board quietly.”
Outside of school, Wyatt volunteers with the local fire department and works at the calf barn at Woody Hill Farm. After graduation, he plans to attend college and the police academy. He views his role on the Board as a valuable learning experience.
“It will be a good opportunity to see the disciplinary side of the school, including how the school works with different levels of government,” he said. “You are in an area where important decisions are being made and you learn when to speak up, what can be changed, and what should stay the same.”
This marks the fifth year Salem CSD has appointed a senior to represent student interests and provide feedback to the Board. Following the success of similar programs, New York state now requires all districts to appoint a non-voting student representative to their Board of Education.
“Every decision we make centers on our students,” said Board of Education President Anne Dunigan. “Having a student representative who can share real-time perspectives has been invaluable. Thanks to new state requirements, we now have more support and training to help them actively contribute.”
While serving as a non-voting member, Marion’s participation will ensure that all student voices are heard and valued in district decision-making.
Understanding the Role of the Board of Education
The Board of Education (BOE) helps guide the direction of the school district by setting goals, establishing policies, and overseeing finances, including the budget, warrants, and bonding.
BOE members are unpaid volunteers elected by district residents each May during the annual budget vote. Any district resident age 18 or older is eligible to run for a seat.