FL S0472

Creates the Florida Educational Student Advisory Council (FESAC) within the Department of Education, composed of 25 students appointed by the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Florida School Boards Association President, and Florida Association of Student Councils President, with the first term beginning July 1, 2013.

Requires district school boards to establish screening committees to select five student applicants for FESAC based on resume, letters of endorsement, 10-page community service portfolio, 1,000-word essay, and 5-page policy proposal submitted by April 1.

Mandates each district school board establish a student advisory program by July 1, 2013, including a student advisor and optional assistant student advisor to the board elected by a districtwide association of student councils.

FESAC shall meet quarterly in Tallahassee and monthly in regions established by the State Board of Education, with authority to advise state officials on educational issues and make annual policy recommendations to legislative leadership.

Members serve without compensation but receive per diem and travel expense reimbursement; Governor-appointed members serve 2-year non-renewable terms while School Boards Association and Student Councils Association appointees serve 1-year renewable terms.