The two student board representatives, elected by their peers, serve on the Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District board and have a new reason to stay engaged in the district's board meetings. They are being guided by two experienced board members.

Saratoga High School's Albert was paired with board member Phil Nielsen of Los Gatos while Marlana, from Los Gatos High, was matched with board member Cynthia Chang of Saratoga. The new mentor program was started under the leadership of board president Jackie Schmidt-Posner over the summer as a way to better connect the student trustees to the board. In past years, some of the students had been more assertive and articulate than others.

District Superintendent Cindy Ranii said the program is aimed to enrich the experience of the board members, while giving the students a more powerful voice and better knowledge of how the board works.

"Young people's voices should be a big part of how we operate," Ranii said. "We're trying to empower student participation in things that are important to them."

And so far, the program is working. It's not only giving the students a better idea of how educational bodies operate, but they are learning to maturely deal with adults and not be afraid to speak in a public setting.

During her first board report about the happenings at Los Gatos High, Marlana said she couldn't stop shaking. She is feeling welcome and relaxed now that she's acting as a contributing member of the board.

The board seating arrangement has also been improved so that students sit next to their mentors and can quietly whisper questions or clarify information as it arises.

Chang, who has been serving on Saratoga school boards for 10 years, said she also has an interest in reaching out to the community. Chang said the mentor program is "a two-way process." She's learning from Marlana and enjoys interacting with her "adopted daughter," since she doesn't have any girls of her own.

Albert, Saratoga High's drum major, said he wanted to run for a student government position, and serving on the school board seemed like a good fit with his already outgoing personality. "I wanted to see what goes on at a higher level of authority," he said, adding, "I don't think a lot of students see the behind-the-scenes actions."

After a Sept. 7 meeting, Albert said it's refreshing to know the district has goals for the school year and that the board members care about students being involved in achieving those aspirations.

"These two students, by their nature, will be very engaged," Nielsen said.

Nielsen, who has three children who have gone through the district, said he hopes Albert will leave the board at the end of the academic year with some new skills and the ability to inform his peers about what goes on during meetings. He's also looking forward to seeing Albert speak up and offer his opinions. After a few meetings, Albert is already getting a handle on his position.

"Once you know all the language, you get more of a sense of what's happening," he said.