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LB 960

Provide a requirement to include nonvoting student members on school boards

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Terrell McKinney

Nebraska law would require school boards to add nonvoting student members to increase youth voice in governance decisions affecting schools.

Notice of hearing for February 17, 2026
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Bill Summary · LB 960

Legislative bill overview

LB 960 mandates that Nebraska school boards include nonvoting student members as part of their governance structure. The bill requires school districts to appoint or elect student representatives who can participate in board discussions and proceedings but cannot vote on official matters.

Why is this important

Student board members can provide direct youth perspective on educational policies, campus safety, curriculum decisions, and school environment issues that directly affect student populations. This model aims to improve school governance responsiveness while maintaining adult decision-making authority on binding votes.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: School districts must establish processes for student selection/election and manage varying student availability due to academic schedules and graduation cycles
  • Effectiveness concerns: Nonvoting status may limit student influence on substantive decisions, raising questions about whether meaningful youth participation is achieved
  • Age and maturity considerations: Questions about appropriate student grade levels, decision-making capacity, and confidentiality for sensitive personnel or financial discussions
  • Equity access: Risk that student board positions become dominated by already-privileged students with flexible schedules rather than representative of diverse student body

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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