River Hill HS Student Elected Student Member Of The Board Of Education

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A River Hill High School student has been elected as the student member of the board of education for the 2025-2026 school year.

The election was open to all middle and high school students across the district.

Erin Alistar was chosen by his peers for the position. He focused on several issues in his campaign, including reviewing the board of education cell phone policy to provide for more exceptions, renovating older buildings and reevaluating how midterms and finals are handled, according to the Howard County Public School System.

“This next year will be difficult. Facing large budget cuts and redistricting, I will need the support and direct input of as many students as possible. Please be on the lookout for more information about how you can get involved and make a difference in these processes," Alistar said after winning his seat.

Alistar ran against Jeremy Wong, a Reservoir High School student. Alistar and Wong were chosen from among 13 candidates by their peers at the Howard County Association of Student Councils Convention, held March 19, and attended by 138 student delegates, six from each high school and three from each middle school, who were nominated by their principals and peers.

As the new SMOB, Alistar will be sworn in this summer and begin his term immediately after. The student member is eligible to vote on all issues except those pertaining to budget, personnel or other restricted matters.