Superintendent highlights student advisory council; students tell board the council amplifies their voices

Superintendent Van Ayers recognized the Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC) at the Hillsborough County School Board meeting Oct. 14 and introduced student representatives who said the council gives high-school students a direct role in district decision-making.

Van Ayers said the council includes two juniors or seniors from each of the district’s 29 high schools — 58 students in total — and that the group meets with district staff to give feedback on policy, communications and school climate. “This group is a phenomenal group,” he said, noting the council’s work began with a two‑day orientation and that five student members were scheduled to speak during public comment.

Several student speakers described how the council helped them understand district operations and gave them tools to improve their own schools. Ella Aden, identified as a senior representative at Alonso High School, said the council’s discussions led to changes in communication and safety practices and improved her leadership skills. “Serving on the superintendent student advisory council has been a tremendous learning opportunity,” Aden said.

Other student speakers echoed that theme. Noah Jordan said the council pushed him to grow as a leader after meeting motivated peers; Margaret Oladakun of Jefferson High said her participation inspired creation of a principal advisory council at her school; Jasmine Quinto of Middleton High said the experience taught her that “real leadership is about listening.” Maximus Vlankin of Strawberry Crest described how discussions with students from other schools helped him identify strategies to improve student engagement.

Van Ayers and board members described SSAC as part of the superintendent’s ongoing efforts to include student perspectives in district planning. Van Ayers said one specific example from the council’s early meetings was student feedback on district communications; staff in communications and region offices have since taken steps to respond to that feedback.

Board members said they welcomed the chance to hear directly from students and encouraged further collaboration between SSAC and district leadership. The council, in its third year, will continue meeting monthly with district staff, Van Ayers said. Several of the student speakers said they planned to return to future board meetings to follow up on items raised by the council.