For the first time ever, two Minneapolis Public Schools students have been selected to sit on the Board. The Minneapolis Board of Education has announced Patrick Henry High School junior Kennedy Rance and Washburn High School sophomore Jake Wesson will serve as the new Student Board Representatives. Kennedy and Jake replace outgoing Student Representative Mary Ghebremeskal from South High School.
Rance leads at Henry with a passion for journalism and youth advocacy. She values truth, storytelling and curiosity, and knows the importance of gathering facts and conducting adequate research before making an informed decision. She believes sharing stories helps individuals connect with one another.
“As a student representative, I will bridge the communication gap between students and administration by actively listening to student voices and advocating on their behalf to the Board of Education. When students are given the opportunity to effectively impact their education, I believe they have a greater appreciation for it,” said Rance.
Henry staff describe Rance as a highly disciplined and ambitious student. “Kennedy has a pattern of pursuing high level opportunities and of setting ambitious standards for herself. She expresses her opinion constructively in a manner that does not alienate others,” said Shawn Crenshaw, Rance’s academic school counselor.
Rance and Wesson will take turns being the primary speaker at Board meetings but will still be responsible for keeping up on what’s happening by reviewing materials and watching meeting videos when not in attendance. Additionally, the two will meet regularly together with board staff to prepare for meetings and coordinate other duties.
The Student Representatives provide an important perspective and give voice to those at the heart of the district’s work: MPS students. The Board of Education has appointed a student representative since 2015, and in December 2021, it was announced that a second student representative would be selected with the goal of expanding student view and opinion. To learn more visit board.mpls.k12.mn.us.