Student liaisons Samuel Carmer and Annie White
LAPS News:
The Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) Board recently appointed three new student liaisons for the 2024-2025 school year. Juniors Tevita Funaki, Wrenne Sapp and Zachary Sestric and Los Alamos Middle School eighth graders Jamie Coriz and Liliana Dodge joined seniors Samuel Carmer and Annie White to serve as liaisons.
This is the seventh year that there have been student liaisons and the third year for middle school student liaisons.
Student liaisons Tevita Funaki, Wrenne Sapp and Zachary Sestric
School board student liaisons serve in an advisory capacity on the board. They are expected to attend a monthly school board meeting where they have an opportunity to express student views on the agenda topics.
In addition, student liaisons and school board members meet for lunch once a month to review agenda topics and discuss timely issues relevant to the schools.
Student liaisons Jamie Coriz and Liliana Dodge
This is the seventh year that there have been student liaisons and the third year for middle school student liaisons.
School board student liaisons serve in an advisory capacity on the board. They are expected to attend a monthly school board meeting where they have an opportunity to express student views on the agenda topics. In addition, student liaisons and school board members meet for lunch once a month to review agenda topics and discuss timely issues relevant to the schools.
“I wanted to become a student liaison to advocate for my peers and make changes that will help students learn,” said Wrenne Sapp. “I believe that we are in a unique position to make changes in the schools and are responsible for discussing issues from a student’s perspective.”
Tevita Funaki wanted to become a student liaison because, “I feel there is a large gap of understanding in our school district between administration, parents and students. My hope is to bridge the gap to help build a more trusting relationship within our town.”
He added, “A student liaison is the voice of the students to powers such as the school board. Students may find it difficult to advocate for themselves and it is up to us to do so with them.”
“I really enjoy acting in this role,” Zachary Sestric said. “To be able to provide insights into student life for the board, and to connect members of the student body with the board and administration, is very gratifying.”
The idea for student involvement on the school board began in the fall of 2015. Since the board makes many policy decisions that directly affect students, having student representation on the board in a liaison role enables the board to gain input from students and find out their thoughts on issues that relate directly to them. In accordance with state statutes, the students may not be members of the board and have voting rights.