A group of high school students at the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) are part of the newly established Superintendent’s Student Voice Advisory Council. MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston established the council to ensure student voices are heard in MCCSC decision-making processes.
The council will provide input and feedback to the Superintendent on district initiatives, policies, and student needs. They will also help to identify areas where the district can improve student experience, raise concerns, and suggest ideas for positive change.
The students recently met with Dr. Winston and members of her executive team for the first time to share their ideas on a variety of topics. Students shared their perspectives on the issues most important to them, how the district might better support student well-being and academic success, and what changes they would like to see in their schools or the district.
“It was important to establish this council to ensure we keep student voices at the center of our work,” said MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston. “At our first session together, I was inspired to hear their diverse reasons for joining the council. Their interest in not only sharing ideas but helping to create action plans is the kind of leadership that can greatly benefit the student experience.”
Among their varied topics of interest, students discussed an interest in developing strategies to address behavioral health and emotional safety and enhance communication efforts for student opportunities and resources.
“We’re looking for more than merely a seat at the table,” said Kelton O’Connell, student at North High School. “It’s clear that we can all envision a better future for MCCSC and our schools, the question is if, and how that will be manifested. I look forward to working closely with the students on the Council and district leaders to make positive, tangible impacts in our school communities.”
The council will continue to meet regularly with the Superintendent and MCCSC leadership. At their next meeting, students will prioritize their areas of focus and begin to discuss actionable steps and recommendations.
