To: Members of the Youth Commission
From: Evan George, Youth Commission Chair
Title
2026 Youth Commission Recruitment Process and Potential Bylaw Update
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Discussion
The Castle Rock Youth Commission will begin its annual recruitment process for new commissioners in spring 2026. The application period will open April 1 and close April 27. Following the application deadline, interview scheduling information will be sent to applicants, with interviews tentatively scheduled for May 12 from 5-9 p.m.
The interview panel will consist of:
• Two current Youth Commission representatives (one senior and one underclassman)
• Councilmember Dietz
• A Town staff member
Panel members will review applications in advance, conduct interviews, and evaluate candidates based on their interest in community service, leadership experience, and ability to contribute to Youth Commission discussions and initiatives.
During interviews, candidates will be asked questions designed to assess their motivation, experience, and perspective on youth issues in Castle Rock. Topics will include interest in serving on the commission, potential goals for the Youth Commission, and ideas for strengthening the commission’s visibility and impact in the community. Candidates will also respond to scenario-based questions that highlight their leadership experience, commitment to projects, or involvement in community initiatives.
Following the interviews, the panel will recommend the top four applicants for appointment and identify two reserve candidates. These recommendations will be submitted to staff by May 14, with final appointments scheduled to be ratified by Town Council during the May 19 Town Council meeting at 6 p.m. Newly appointed commissioners’ terms will become effective June 1.
Additionally, the Youth Commission is considering a potential bylaw update regarding eligibility for membership. Chair George introduced a proposal that would limit Youth Commission membership to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, beginning with the 2026-2027 term. If adopted, freshmen would no longer be eligible to apply for appointment moving forward. Current commissioners who were appointed as freshmen would be allowed to complete the remainder of their terms. The proposed change is intended to ensure members have additional high school experience before serving and to support continuity in commission participation.
Financial Information
The Youth Commission recruitment and interview process is administered through existing staff resources and does not require additional funding. There is no direct financial impact associated with the recruitment process or the potential bylaw update.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Youth Commission Staff acknowledge the Youth Commission’s 2026 recruitment timeline and interview process and consider ratifying the recommended candidates following the interview panel’s review. Additionally, if the Youth Commission adopts the proposed bylaw amendment regarding grade-level eligibility, staff recommends Council support the change to take effect beginning with the 2026-2027 Youth Commission term.
Proposed Motion
Recommended Action
Motion 1
"I move that the Youth Commission designate (Commissioner Name) and (Commissioner Name) to
serve as representatives for participating in this year’s Youth Commission recruitment interviews.”
Motion 2
“I move that the Youth Commission adopt the potential bylaws update, to reflect that freshmen are not
eligible to apply for appointment to the Youth Commission for the 2026/2027 school year and
beyond.”Recommended Action
Attachments
Attachment A Youth Commission Application
Attachment B 2026 Proposed Bylaws Youth Commission with Included Edits