Senior Kyla Gruber was approved to become the first ever Ex Officio member of the Commack School District Board of Education, on June 5, 2025.

In September 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill stating that all school districts in New York state will be required to have at least one non-voting student representative, or Ex Officio, presiding on the Board of Education. This student will attend and participate in all public board meetings and events. 

“I think that the current board we have is phenomenal, every decision they make is in the best interest of children. So I think that having a student voice allows them to listen so that if there is anything that can make that experience for children a better experience, it gives them that opportunity,” said superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox. 

Dr Cox and the rest of the Board of Education had the opportunity to meet with and interview a number of possible candidates for this position. These students were selected after submitting their applications through the guidance center.

“[…]Typically it’s a high school student, usually it’s a high school senior, and there’s an interview process. The high school administration runs that process here [at Commack High School] along with the guidance center, and then they will recommend to me who they think would be a good fit for the Ex Officio student board member. Once they recommend that to me, I will bring that student to the Board,” said Dr. Cox. 

The student Ex Officio position comes with a lot of responsibilities. 

“My responsibilities include attending board meetings, presenting student updates, communicating with peers to understand their concerns, visiting schools within the district, and accurately representing student experiences. I also act as a liaison between students, administrators, and the Board of Education,” said senior Kyla Gruber, Ex Officio, via email.

Having a student Ex Officio on the board brings new information and perspectives that otherwise hadn’t been available to the Board of Education. 

“BOE [Board of Education] members don’t necessarily have careers that immerse them in school buildings. A student’s perspective sheds light on salient aspects of the day to day experiences and educates the BOE on matters of importance through a young person’s viewpoint,” said Gus Hueber, Board of Education President, via email.

This process of choosing and having a student preside on the board will continue in the future. According to the Board of Education Bylaws, the opportunity to apply is open to any current junior, who may be interested in this opportunity for the following year. 

“[…] This role is an opportunity to make real change, and it’s important to approach it with confidence, responsibility and empathy,” said Kyla.