Plainfield Swears In Three Student Commissioners to School Board
Maria Torres · Union County Life
According to Plainfield Public Schools' announcement on September 23, 2026.
Three Plainfield seniors now have seats at the Board of Education table.
Erika Vasquez of Pinnacle Academy High School, Karlens Phillipe of the Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) and Power Chiles of Plainfield High School were sworn in as student commissioners at a board business meeting. Union County Life confirmed the news in a Sept. 23 release from the Plainfield school district.
The three will act as ambassadors for their schools. They will listen to classmates, share student views with district leaders and give students a voice as the board shapes policies.
Before taking their seats, they completed the Student Trustee Action Readiness Training (START) from the National Student Board Member Association. The three day program covered board governance, policy and student advocacy, and included a simulated board meeting.
"Sometimes students don't feel heard or seen," Vasquez said in the release. Chiles said he is "ready to help give a voice to the students." Phillipe said, "I'm really excited to help as many people as I can."
"Our students experience our schools in ways that we, as adults and educators, simply cannot," said Acting Superintendent Elizabeth Filippatos, Ed.D. Board President Hanae M. Wyatt urged the students to "never underestimate the power of speaking up."
The release does not give the date of the meeting, explain how the students were chosen or say whether student commissioners vote. Questions can go to the district's Division of Public Information and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or (908) 731-4442.
The three will serve as a link between students and district leaders through the school year. Find more Plainfield events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.
What to do
Contact: Plainfield Public Schools Division of Public Information and Communications, information@plainfield.k12.nj.us, (908) 731-4442
Source: Plainfield Public Schools
Photo: Nacho Gomez / Pexels
What to do
- Contact
- Plainfield Public Schools Division of Public Information and Communications, information@plainfield.k12.nj.us, (908) 731-4442
Frequently asked questions
Who are Plainfield's student commissioners for 2026 to 2027?
Seniors Erika Vasquez of Pinnacle Academy High School, Karlens Phillipe of PAAAS and Power Chiles of Plainfield High School.
What does a Plainfield student commissioner do?
Student commissioners bring the ideas and concerns of classmates to the Board of Education and share student views with district leaders.
What training did the student commissioners complete?
They completed the National Student Board Member Association's three day Student Trustee Action Readiness Training (START).
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