District News

Starting her work as the first student to ever serve on the Lancaster Central School District Board of Education, Michaela Innus said she looked forward to sharing her pride in Lancaster and bringing a student perspective to the Board’s work.

“I'm excited to understand the why of everything and the reasons decisions are made, and relay that to others,” Michaela said. 

The rising senior at Lancaster High School said one of her primary objectives in the role will be getting Board support for more opportunities to strengthen connections between students at the high school and those at the elementary and intermediate levels. Remembering when high school athletes visited her class at Como Park Elementary School, Michaela said older students can share or reinforce messages with younger students that resonate and create meaningful experiences for everyone involved. 

“There's always a sense of pride when anyone helps someone else,” Michaela said. “If high school students realize they had such an impact on someone else and that they have people looking up to them, they may be more likely to make responsible decisions.”

Michaela’s selection to the role followed an interview process with building leaders, faculty, staff, and students, and comes as school districts across New York add ex-officio student members following the passage of new state legislation. Student members are not able to vote or participate in executive sessions or attend meetings not open to the public. 

Michael Candella, Lancaster High School Principal, described Michaela as hardworking, conscientious, and incredibly compassionate.  

“Her background, including participation in SSAC (Superintendent's Student Advisory Council), involvement in the Leadership Academy, and service as a Student Union officer, will assist her well in this role,” Candella said. “We often remind students to ‘Leave their Legacy,’ and Michaela is doing just that.”

Andrew P. Kufel, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, described Michaela as a thoughtful and respectful contributor when taking part in the SSAC, which will help as she takes on the new role with the Board.

“She takes time to understand the issues discussed and formulates meaningful questions or responses,” Dr. Kufel said. “Michaela will be an excellent Board of Education member.”

Michael Sage, President of the Lancaster Board of Education, said Michaela’s presence will give the Board a direct line to student experience. 

“Her insight will help ensure our decisions reflect what’s truly meaningful to those we serve, our students,” Sage said. 

Michaela, who also serves on the Students Working to Improve the School Setting (S.W.I.S.S.), said she finds it important to take opportunities to lead and make a difference. In being the first student to hold a Board position, Michaela said she hoped she could inspire others to take advantage of the many ways Lancaster students are empowered to serve and lead.

“Down the road when it comes up, I hope even more people want to apply to be considered for the position and go through the interview process,” Michaela said. “It's a way to start sharing student ideas more.”