Governor Rell Names North Stonington and Woodbridge Students

to State Board of Education

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced the appointment of two Connecticut high school students as non-voting members of the State Board of Education. 

Hunter Kodama of North Stonington recently completed his junior year at Norwich Free Academy (NFA).  He is Treasurer of the school’s Student Advisory Board, President of the Environmental Club and an officer of the Young Voter Society.  Kodama testified before the General Assembly in support of Senate Bill 981, An Act Concerning Automatic External Defibrillators in Schools, a bill that Governor Rell recently signed into law at a ceremony at NFA.

Hannah Klein of Woodbridge recently completed her junior year at Amity Regional Senior High School.  She also participates in the Dance Program at the Educational Center for the Arts, a New Haven-based magnet high school and has performed in several theater, jazz and tap dance companies across the Northeast. Klein volunteers at Griffin Hospital in Derby and serves as a mentor for fellow students.

“These two very accomplished student members will provide an important perspective about the quality of our schools,” Governor Rell said.  “Hunter and Hannah will make great contributions to the Board.  I think they will add energy to our discussions and debates on a wide range of educational issues. I thank them for their willingness to serve the State of Connecticut.”

The students’ one-year terms, which are subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, begin July 1.  They will take their Oath of Office at the beginning of the State Board of Education meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. 

 The State Board of Education consists of eleven members who are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the General Assembly. Nine voting members are appointed to four-year terms. Two nonvoting student members are appointed to serve one-year terms. The Commissioner of Education, who serves as the secretary to the State Board, is appointed by the Board for a term coterminous with that of the Governor. The Commissioner of Higher Education serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member.