Radcliffe — Council members on Nov. 10 discussed a multi-year effort to establish a youth city council for Radcliffe-area high school students that would introduce ninth- through twelfth-graders to municipal government.

Councilwoman Owens, who has worked on the idea for about two and a half years, told the council she began outreach at North Hardin High School and worked with the school curriculum developer to ensure student selection would be diverse. "They would only be required to attend 1 meeting a month after school," Owens said, describing the program as low-cost and focused on civic education and leadership.

Members debated whether to create the program by ordinance, which could create municipal oversight responsibilities, or by a less formal vehicle such as a resolution. Concerns centered on privacy and recordkeeping: one council member warned that a city sign-in sheet would become a public record and could raise FERPA and open-records issues if it included minors’ names.

Several council members said the schools should manage selection and oversight, with the city supporting the program. An advisor suggested a general resolution applauding the schools and pledging cooperation, rather than city management of student appointments. Council members also discussed alternatives for students who cannot attend in person, including viewing the televised meetings.

The council expressed broad support for a school-led version and asked Owens to follow up with school officials; members expect a resolution or draft ordinance to return for consideration at the Nov. 18 meeting.