Rockville Youth Commission Meeting – Survey, Recruitment, and Interim Chair – April 9, 2026

The Rockville Youth Commission met on Wednesday, April 9, 2026 at 4:10 PM. The meeting was chaired by Becca. Commissioners discussed the youth survey distribution, updates on recruitment for the 2025-2026 term, and plans for electing an interim chairperson following the current chair's departure in June. The meeting also included approval of previous meeting minutes and a brief discussion of the annual report to the Mayor and Council.

Meeting Minutes

• The meeting minutes from the previous session were approved by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments or testimony were recorded.

Discussion Items

• Youth Survey Action Plan: The commission reviewed survey responses, noting that most responses came from Richard Montgomery (RM) seniors and a few Woodson (Wood) sophomores, limiting diversity. Commissioners discussed ways to increase outreach, including sharing the survey with school SGA reps, placing it on advisory slides, promoting it at school events (e.g., teacher–student basketball games), and using word of mouth. A raffle with six movie tickets (secured by Jordan) and tying survey completion to attendance at the end-of-year pool party (tentatively June 6 or 13, pending renovation completion) were proposed as incentives. The chair emphasized the importance of getting a wider range of responses, especially from middle schoolers at Julius West (JW), to ensure diverse input. Commissioners agreed to each send the survey to at least 5 people before the next meeting.
• Recruitment Update for 2025-2026 Term: Staff liaison Jordan reported that the city is recruiting for the next term (starting October 2025). Current members (except Becca) whose terms end in October must submit an expression of interest form by May 31 to reapply. The mayor will conduct interviews and make appointments in September for an 11-member commission (currently 8 members). Summer job opportunities with the city were also mentioned.
• Interim Chairperson Election Process: The chair (Becca) will leave in June. Under the resolution, the chair must be in 11th or 12th grade. Eligible members (Ilala, Alice, and Sam—juniors) were encouraged to consider the role. An interim chair will be elected at the next meeting to serve from June to October, when a new full-term chair will be elected. The responsibilities of the chair were outlined: setting agendas, running meetings, acting as the face of the commission, and representing the commission at events. Members were asked to think about their interest and be ready to vote at the next meeting. Daniela (a sophomore) expressed interest in being chair in the fall (after October), pending eligibility.
• Annual Report to Mayor and Council: The commission is required to submit an annual report (PowerPoint slides) summarizing activities from the year. Planned highlights include developing the youth survey, attending the King Farm event, and the pool party. Staff will share examples from other commissions, but the report will be short. Survey results will be a key component. The report does not need to be submitted in person.

Key Outcomes

• The previous meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• The youth survey distribution strategy was discussed; members will each send the survey to at least 5 people before the next meeting. A raffle and pool party requirement were set as incentives.
• Recruitment timeline confirmed: expression of interest forms due by May 31 for reappointment; mayor's appointments in September for October start.
• Interim chair election will occur at the next meeting; eligible juniors (Ilala, Alice, Sam) were asked to consider running. Daniela (sophomore) may be eligible for chair in the fall, pending confirmation.
• Annual report preparation will be a team effort; survey results will be a central highlight.
• The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.