Now Open: 2026-2027 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 school board must make its nomination by resolution and send the resolution to the Governor’s office.
Please include the following when sending in your nomination:
- Board Resolution (Sample Resolution)
- Student’s Resume
- Student’s Contact Information
- Students’ parent/guardian names, email addresses, and daytime phone numbers
Please note: FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION WILL DISQUALIFY THE NOMINEE FOR CONSIDERATION
Once a school district submits a nomination, the Governor’s office conducts several rounds of extensive interviews before selecting the new student member and appointing them.
How to send in student nominations:
- Via Email
Local school boards may send nominations by email to gov.boards@tn.gov. Please include all required documentation in ONE email. Use ‘SBE Student Member Nomination from [INSERT SCHOOL DISTRICT]’ in the subject line.
Nominations are due on or before May 1, 2026, to the Office of the Governor.
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.