We're proud to introduce Jack Henry and Elna Pagan—Ellenville Central School District's student representatives to the Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year. Jack, who will serve as president, and Elna, the vice president, recently had the opportunity to attend a welcoming conference at Ulster BOCES in New Paltz on September 17.
The conference, created in response to the new statewide mandate requiring all school boards to include a student representative, brought together students, board presidents, and district board clerks from across the region. Although this is now a New York State requirement, Ellenville has included student representatives on its Board in previous years. Attendees heard from Senator Shelley Mayer, Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, Board of Regents Chancellor Lester Young Jr., and New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa about the importance of student voices in shaping school policies.
Jack and Elna connected with student representatives from other districts to discuss their hopes and priorities, sharing why they chose to serve on the Ellenville Board of Education and what they want adults to know about their schools. We’re grateful for their commitment and excited to see what they’ll bring to the table this school year!