?Did you know that Anne Arundel County’s student member on the Board of Education is the only one in the nation on a local board who has full voting rights
The SMOB is elected by members of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils (CRASC) and appointed by the Governor and nominations are now being accepted for the 2020-2021 term.
Interested high school juniors in good academic standing who want to represent their peers and have their voice heard can get more information on becoming the 2020-2021 Student Member of the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County during an Information Night scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at Annapolis High School, located at 2700 Riva Road in Annapolis.
The informational meeting is for all students who are considering applying to learn about the process of nomination, campaigning, election, and appointment. The Expectations of Office will also be discussed at this information session.
The nomination process for the 2020-2021 seat opens on February 12 and ends at 4 p.m. on March 5. Nomination forms should be emailed to the Office of Student Leadership at [email protected]. No nomination forms will be accepted after 4 p.m. on March 5.
Important dates to remember:
- February 26: First of two campaign clinics offered by the CRASC. These workshops are designed to help students prepare for elections including SMOB, CRASC officers, Class officers, and Student Council offices. These workshops are open to all interested students. SMOB nominees are encouraged to attend. Each workshop will cover separate materials and themes. This clinic will focus on platform development. It begins at 6:30 p.m. at Arundel High School, located at 1001 Annapolis Road in Gambrills.
- March 4: Second of two clinics sponsored by CRASC. This clinic will focus on campaigning and election presentations. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. at South River High School, located at 201 Central Avenue East in Edgewater.
- March 5: 2020 SMOB nomination period closes at 4 p.m. No nominations will be accepted after 4 p.m. Nomination forms can be found here.
- March 12: SMOB application packets are due to the Office of Student Leadership by 4 p.m. All essays, letters of recommendation, and resumes must be submitted by email to [email protected].
- March 20: Interviews of SMOB candidates.
- April 1: CRASC will host a televised debate at 6:30 p.m. between the three Student Member of the Board finalists. This debate will be moderated by a student and the format will be determined by CRASC. It will be held in the Board Room of the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis.
- April 16: SMOB election.
An information packet is available online from the Anne Arundel County Board of Education.
Want to learn more? Meet this year’s SMOB and Chesapeake Family Life Standout Student Rida Alvi.
