(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today appointed Hannah Rens, a sophomore student at Sioux City East High School, to the Iowa State Board of Education. Rens will serve as the non-voting student member on the board for a two-year term.
"I'm pleased today to announce Hannah's appointment to the Board of Education," said Branstad. "Hannah's community involvement, including civic and extra-curricular activities, demonstrates that she possesses the leadership needed to excel on the board."
The Iowa State Board of Education works with the Iowa Department of Education to provide oversight, supervision, and support for the state education system that includes all public elementary and secondary schools, nonpublic schools that receive state accreditation, area education agencies, community colleges, and teacher preparation programs.
"I had the opportunity to meet Hannah, a member of the Mayor's Youth Commission, at the Siouxland Chamber's Day on the Hill, where we discussed her work on computer coding. Her dedication and drive is impressive, especially given her age," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "I'm confident Hanna will be a valuable member on the State Board of Education."
The governor's appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation. Rens' term will run from May 1, 2014 - April 30, 2016. She replaces Edgar Thornton of Iowa City, Iowa, who is graduating from Iowa City High School.
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