MN SF197

Requires all Minnesota school boards to add two student members starting in the 2025-2026 school year, selected through a process established by elected board members that includes voting by students in grades 9-12

Student members serve two-year terms beginning July 1, may serve a maximum of two terms, and must be district residents enrolled in grades 9-12 at the time of selection

Grants student members full participation rights including attending meetings, introducing agenda items, participating in discussions, and voting on all matters before the board

Student members are eligible for board-determined compensation and must complete the same school finance and management training required of elected members

Applies to independent school districts, Special School District No. 1 (Minneapolis), and Independent School District No. 166, with provisions encouraging participation from students of diverse racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds