Now Open: Student Member Nominations

Local Tennessee School Boards Are Encouraged to Nominate a Student

Eligibility

According to TCA 49-1-301 (a) (6), all public school students in Tennessee who are a junior or senior and in superlative standing, are eligible for the student member role. He/she shall serve one-year term unless the student member was first appointed during his/her junior year of high school and is re-appointed by the Governor for a second one-year term during the student’s senior year of high school.

Nomination Process

Though the Governor’s office makes the final selection, local school districts play a significant role. TCA 49-1-301 (a) (6) specifies that local school boards may nominate no more than one outstanding Tennessee rising junior or senior student each year from their district. The local board can nominate by resolution and send the resolution to the Governor’s office along with the relevant contact information of the nominee.

Once a school district submits a nomination, the Governor’s office conducts several rounds of extensive interviews before a selection is made and the new student member is appointed.

Nominations are due by May 1, 2025, to the office of the Governor. Local school boards may send nominations by email to gov.boards@tn.gov, or by mail to the office of the Governor, State Capitol, 1st Floor 600 Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Blvd. Nashville, TN 37243

The Tennessee State Board of Education Rule 1.200 Board Members outlines more details and requirements for student member representation. Have questions? Contact Nathan James by email at Nathan.James@tn.gov or phone at 615.934.7076.