Washakie County considering student-advisors
Proposed county policy would give students the opportunity to serve on various county boards as non-voting members
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WORLAND — All politics is local, and the Washakie County Commission is considering working with the Worland school district to bring that message to student-leaders.
At its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, the commission met with Worland High School Principal Kevin Smith. The commission discussed having WHS students sit on various boards in an advisory capacity.
“Obviously, they’re not going to get a full-blown appointment,” Commission Chair Aaron Anderson said, adding that the non-voting, advisory role would help students understand the workings of local government. Students could serve on boards such as the Washakie County Hospital Board or the Worland Solid Waste District Board.
The county commission appoints members to the various boards.
Smith said he could think of numerous students who would be a good fit for serving on boards.
“I think it’s a win-win situation.
“It gives (students) an opportunity to see how government works,” Smith said.
Commissioner Terry Wolf said students serving in advisory roles on county boards could also offer their older, fellow citizens a new, younger perspective.
The next step for the proposed program is for Smith to meet with his staff and for the commission to meet with the county boards.
Anderson said student-advisors may even find themselves going into public service as a result of the proposal.
“I think there are misconceptions of what county government does.
“It gives them (students) an opportunity and turns on a light down the road.”
