We've talked about a lot of those issues already (not the killing of others though, but I guess that could be an issue with any parent as well).

Does anyone have a descriptions of the role (bylaws) for a Student Liaison that they would be willing to share so we are not recreating the wheel?

Asking for high school students to help at an event to serve or perform is one thing; this is a board position. We have middle school students come back and volunteer at our Fun Fair every year since they need community service work for their religious education classes. But the usual reason is because they have siblings still at the school and their parents are also working at the event. I don't have a concern or issue with that. I actually welcome their assistance and involvement since it promotes community service and giving back.
However, I'm sorry to say that we've had two instances in nearby towns of middle-school age children that have molested and then killed small children. Although they were neighbors of theirs, it still has had an impact on parents. The PTO tries to make sure that all volunteers are related to the school in some way or have been asked to be there. Parents want to feel safe at our events and they know that the PTO makes sure that all volunteers belong to the school or if they are from outside the school, they are supervised and "vouched for" by their organization. It's unfortunate, but precautions must be made and we always have to think of the safety, security aspect of things.

In the case of the original post, it would depend on whether they have bylaws that clearly outline if a member or board executive has requirements that must be met. I also agree that contracts are usually signed by an adult. Either way, the question should be asked to the school's PTO membership to see if they have any concerns with it. At 17, I'm I don't think I could balance a $35,000 budget, meet all deadlines, attend day & evening meetings, keep up on phone calls, the various committees and details to the Principal while still attending school during the day.

Ha, I'd take their help in a heartbeat!! Last year we actually asked the high schoolers for help. Like I mentioned earlier, they were looking for volunteer hours for their scholarships and we needed the help.

I'm not sure if our group would allow it, but this child sounds like a great asset for your group.

Unfortunately in this day and age both sides are/have valid questions (why the interest, not a stakeholder, etc) but must be asked in repsectful ways (ie Daddio and others vouches for this HS student IMO or he wouldnt be asking about him joining)

but yes most of the PTA/O I've been involved in you must have a child attending the school to be a member (I know some PTA's allow grandparents, family (even out of state), etc but that's more of a numbers game (where you get a shiny certificate and inflated ego becuase you have 5,000 memebrs and were top in your state, etc) and extra dues money than actually wanting active stakeholders/members)

My big problem would be the legal age factor- under 18 you cant sign (enter into) a legal contract without parents/ guardians signature (so technically I dont thing they could be on an exec board)-

without knowing all the legalities - I like the Student Liason (isnt that how PTSA work? I've not been involved in one)

I don't know if I agree totally with oneandonly.

My son no longer attends our elementary school. He has moved on to middle school. While this is not high school, I don't look at this as "something wrong".

My son was student council president his last year at our elementary school and served on student council three years prior, as well as our school post office, safety patrol and clubs. My son logged almost as many volunteer hours each year as I did, and still does. When other parents won't volunteer, he is there, serving ice cream, bagging popcorn, helping with set up and clean ups at events, helping box up unsold merchandise from our Christmas store and more. He also, besides being active in our elementary school, is active in the middle school PTO and his team fundraisers.

Why does he do this? Certainly NOT because he has to or because he has other "motives". He has built a close relationship with the teachers and admires them and looks up to them. There are several of them who are role models that he repects. He actually enjoys donating his time and being active instead of doing other things, out running around and getting into trouble, or sitting on the couch watching tv.

I don't see the problem with having a school liaison position. I guess you'd have to ask why does this student want to be involved in your group? Are they needing volunteer hours for scholarship (my niece did this every summer as a tutor at summer school), are they considering an occupation in child care, teaching, a pediatrician? (My son's goal!) Did they attend this school in their elementary years? Has this student been volunteering up to this point?

I would also hate to think that any volunteer would not be respected by our parents, especially if they are working just a hard as anyone else. Also, just because they don't have any kids doesn't mean that a student wouldn't be able to bring anything to the table. They are closer to our kids age than we are... We personally would not tollerate a "how would you know--you don't have any kids" attitude. To me, that sounds degrading.