Rock County Board approves one-year Youth and Governance pilot to place students in standing committees

The Rock County Board of Supervisors voted Dec. 12 to establish a one-year Youth and Governance pilot program that will place between four and eight high-school students in standing county committees to observe and participate in committee work without voting rights.

Supervisor Wilson, who introduced the resolution, said the ad hoc committee considered multiple models and recommended a small, hands-on pilot to give students exposure to real-time county governance. "This pilot program presents a significant opportunity for Rock County," Wilson said, adding the program would "bring a new perspective" and give students "a forum in our committees, to make their voice heard." The program is scheduled to recruit in late January and early February, with the first students participating beginning in April and an April-to-April program calendar to allow experience across a full budget cycle.

Student speaker Max Olsen of Milton, a sophomore who helped on the ad hoc committee, urged approval, saying the resolution reflects "almost a year and a half of work and studying" and stressing the value of hands-on civic learning. Opponent Sheila Williams of Janesville said she worried the program duplicates school civics instruction, questioned whether state statutes and board rules permit minors to actively participate at this level, and raised procedural concerns about committee appointments and the ad hoc committee's processes.

Board members debated several operational details before voting. Supporters — including Supervisors Sutherland, Frustach, Townes and others — highlighted similar programs in other Wisconsin counties and the program's potential to build civic skills and pipeline future public servants. Questions raised during debate included whether the county would reimburse transportation (Wilson said the pilot will not provide transportation reimbursement), whether students would have time limits for speaking during committee meetings, and the role of committee chairs in managing student participation. Wilson said the resolution clearly stipulates that students "are not members of the committee, do not have voting rights," and that committee chairs would have latitude to set participation protocols.

The motion (moved by Wilson; seconded by Sutherland) passed by roll call, 24 yes, 2 no, 3 absent. The ad hoc committee will return in September 2025 with an evaluation and a recommendation on whether to continue the program.

The pilot includes the following provisions as approved: recruitment of 4–8 students, assignment to standing committees that meet during student-friendly hours (eight committees identified), no reimbursement for transportation during the pilot period, and an evaluation report to the county board in September 2025. The board recorded the vote as 24 yes, 2 no and 3 absent.