Each year, HCPSS middle and high school students elect one Student Member of the Board (SMOB), who represents student voice on the Board of Education. The Student Member serves a one-year term (from July 1 through June 30). They have all the rights and responsibilities of a Board member, with the exception of statutory restrictions against voting on specific matters, participation in appeals or confidential personnel matters, and attendance at closed sessions relating to restricted matters.

The election for the 2025-2026 SMOB will take place May 2, 2025 at all Howard County middle and high schools.

Current 10th and 11th grade sudents interested in running for the 2025-2026 SMOB position must submit a completed application by 4:00 p.m. on Friday February 7, 2025. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Additional information related to becoming 2025-2026 SMOB can be found in the SMOB introduction letter.

Please note that to fulfill the requirements of the position, the SMOB must:

• be a current 10th or 11th grade HCPSS student
• spend at least two evenings per month in attendance at Board meetings
• devote considerable time prior to each meeting to reviewing policies and programs scheduled for action or review by the Board.
• attend twice-monthly Board meetings, public Board functions, all Howard County Association of Student Councils (HCASC) meetings, other meetings and events
• speaking to other students and community members to gather information and opinions to be usedvwhen making informed decisions.

In addition to the time requirements above, a successful SMOB will:

• Articulate and understand the function of the Board of Education
• Demonstrate maturity and tact while dealing with adults
• Maintain regular communication with fellow members of the Board of Education, HCASC Officer Team, and the HCASC Advisor
• Collaborate with HCASC to promote and broadcast Board of Education issues to HCPSS students at large
• Engage in meaningful conversation with adults about HCPSS issues
• Proactively address concerns with the appropriate person/organization
• Participate in Board meetings and events
• Prepare for Board meeting discussions
• Maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrate ethical, respectful, and responsible behaviors
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Engage and inform the students of HCPSS
• Support and engage the middle and high school Student Representatives who attend Board of Education meetings as representatives of their school communities.
• Voice a student perspective on business coming before the Board

Questions can be directed to HCASC Advisor, Kori Jones at Kori_Jones@hcpss.org.