Sidney CSD senior Cooper Harvey is getting an inside look at how the Board of Education works.
Harvey was voted in to be Sidney’s Ex-Officio Student Board Member and will serve this year in the role with the BOE.
New York State enacted a law mandating all districts operating a high school, as well as all BOCES, appoint at least one student for this role. Harvey was elected via a student vote where multiple students ran for the position.
“We thank Cooper for his interest in the position, running his campaign, and being elected as the first student board member of the Sidney CSD,” Sidney Superintendent Eben Bullock said. “Including a student as an ex-officio member of the school board is not just symbolic, it’s essential. Their voice brings a firsthand perspective on how our decisions impact the classroom, the culture, and the daily lives of our students. When we empower students to participate in governance, we foster leadership, accountability, and a stronger sense of community.”
According to the New York State School Boards Association, student board members:
Serve in a non-voting capacity, meaning they do not vote on board decisions.
Participate in all public meetings and sit alongside other board members.
Are excluded from executive sessions and other non-public proceedings.
NYSSBA also notes the legislation aims to:
Amplify student voices in educational decision-making.
Foster civic engagement and leadership skills among students.
Bridge communication between the student body and the board of education.
Encourage inclusive and well-rounded governance by incorporating student perspectives.
Harvey, who is also the Class of 2026 president and vice president of FFA, also serves on the Sidney Alumni Association board as a fellow, and is the only student on Sidney’s instructional technology committee. He is also a member of the Delaware County Youth Bureau.
“This is an opportunity for student voices,” Harvey said. “It allows us to be more involved. Being a voice for students is important to me.”
Following Sidney, Harvey plans to attend SUNY Cortland for the 3-1 program in physical education and health education. He wants to teach and eventually earn a doctorate in educational leadership.
“I’m excited and hope to have a good year,” Harvey said. “It’s about student needs, student voices, and student change.”