HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania State Board of Education has recently appointed Naina Bhatia, a rising junior at West Chester East High School, to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education. This appointment, made during the board’s summer meeting, places Bhatia in a crucial role to represent student perspectives at the state level.
Student Representation in Education Policy
“The inclusion of student voices on the State Board of Education provides Pennsylvania high school and college students with an opportunity to interact with board members and help make sure students are represented at the state level when education policies are being considered and implemented,” stated Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “We applaud these students on their achievements, engagement, and participation, and we look forward to working closely with them as they serve alongside the Board over the next two years.”
Profile of Naina Bhatia
Naina Bhatia is a dynamic and accomplished student at West Chester East High School. She co-founded and presides over the West Chester East Speech and Debate team and serves as the president of the Class of 2026. Her dedication to public service is evident through her volunteer work with the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center and the Good Fellowship Ambulance Center. Bhatia has participated in a variety of academic and leadership programs, including the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Leadership summer program and Schools for Climate Action.
Bhatia’s involvement in numerous competitions and initiatives, such as the West Chester Viking Coding Contest and the American Computer Science League, showcases her diverse interests and commitment to excellence. Her independent research on the correlation between socioeconomic status and infection rates of Toxoplasma Gondii highlights her passion for scientific inquiry and community health.
Impact on Policy Deliberations
“The Board sees tremendous value in creating opportunities for civic engagement for youth in Pennsylvania,” noted Karen Farmer White, Chair of the State Board of Education. “Adding student perspectives to our work enriches our deliberations on educational policies and ensures that students have a direct voice in issues that impact them.”
Role and Responsibilities
As a student member of the State Board of Education, Bhatia will attend and participate in board meetings, advise and consult with the board, and conduct outreach to confer with other students across the Commonwealth. The board’s voting members, along with four student representatives, meet bi-monthly to discuss and deliberate on education policies and procedures.
Support from Highmark
The inclusion of student members is made possible through a grant provided by Highmark, which supports opportunities for Pennsylvania students to influence education policy directly.
Naina Bhatia’s appointment to the State Board of Education is a significant achievement for Chester County. Her insights and dedication to public service are expected to bring valuable perspectives to the board, ensuring that the voices of students are heard in the development of state education policies.
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