A High Point High School junior will become Prince George’s first student representative to the Maryland State Board of Education when he takes office July 1.
Gov. Martin O’Malley recently selected Renford Freemantle to fill the post for the 2007-08 school year.
“He is going to bring … poise, maturity and an ability to critically think through issues that impact education in the state from a student perspective,” High Point Principal Scott Smith told The Examiner Tuesday.
The 17-year-old Beltsville resident speaks fluent Spanish, as well as some Japanese. He is also an honor student and a member of the school’s student government association.
“I felt I could make a difference throughout the whole state because I do it right now in my school and my community,” Freemantle said.
As the board’s student representative, Freemantle said he wants to look at the racial achievement gap, the recruitment and retention of teachers and ways to help students pass the assessment exams.
Freemantle said he is excited and a little nervous about his new role.
“I’m capable of doing thetremendous work that’s being presented to me,” he said. “But I have to make sure I’m on top of my game.”
According to Freemantle, 200 students applied for the position. He said the selection process included interviews, essays and campaigning among his peers in student government throughout the state.
The campaign experience could prove useful because Freemantle wants to be an attorney, a U.S. Senator and eventually president.
According to State Department of Education spokesman Bill Reinhard, the board has 11 members and one student member.
“They serve just like any other member of the board except it’s a one-year term, and the student does not vote on personnel and budget items,” Reinhard said.
