Wichita Public Schools Student Board outlines leadership changes and outreach initiatives

The Wichita School District Board of Education meeting held on April 7, 2025, featured a significant update from the newly established Student Board, led by its first president, Cole Richardson. The meeting began with a ceremonial presentation by the Southeast Color Guard, setting a respectful tone for the discussions that followed.

Richardson highlighted the Student Board's achievements over the past year, notably the successful hosting of the annual winter leadership conference, which fostered collaboration among student leaders from various schools. He emphasized the need for increased awareness of the Student Board among middle and high school students, noting that many are unaware of its existence and opportunities for involvement. To address this, he requested the Board's support in promoting the Student Board's initiatives through district-wide events and social media.

In addition to raising awareness, Richardson called for the development of a leadership pipeline to engage younger students. He proposed creating opportunities for freshmen and sophomores to participate, ensuring a more representative and prepared board in the future.

Junior Leon Hausch also addressed the Board, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided to the Student Board members. He outlined plans for the upcoming year, including a restructuring that would reduce the number of boards from four to three, allowing for more collaborative decision-making. Hausch mentioned the introduction of a social media manager position to enhance communication about the Student Board's activities.

The meeting concluded with Hausch sharing a personal story about a fellow student, Trace Tompkins, who has found community and support through the Student Board's initiatives. This anecdote underscored the board's mission to uplift all students and foster a sense of belonging within the school community.

Overall, the meeting showcased the Student Board's commitment to enhancing student engagement and leadership development, with clear requests for support from the Board of Education to further these goals. The next steps will involve discussions on the proposed changes and the recruitment of new members to sustain the momentum built over the past year.