The Anne Arundel County school board this week elected its student member — 18-year-old Josie Urrea — to serve as the body’s vice president, making her the first student member to serve in that capacity.

Urrea narrowly won her seat. Six of her colleagues voted for her, she needed five for approval.

“I have been an advocate for education since middle school,” Urrea said. “Although I have the word ‘student’ in front of my position, I am an equal board member in voice, vote and value. I hope to be judged by the integrity of my thoughts and actions, not my youth.”

Board members unanimously voted for Terry Gilleland to serve as president. He has served previously as board vice president.

Former board president Julie Hummer expressed some concern about the length of Urrea’s term — she will graduate from Severna Park High School in May, meaning the board will have to elect a new vice president when Urrea’s term ends June 30.

Then, members will hold officer elections again, in December, per recently adopted policy. That will make three elections in one year.

“I don’t think that disruption bodes well for us,” Hummer said. She said she has “the utmost respect” for Urrea, but voted against the high school senior.

Michelle Corkadel, a board member representing District 7, was the only other board member nominated for vice president, by District 30’s Bob Leib. She abstained in the vice presidential election.

Leib also abstained.

See BOARD, page 6