Hillsborough superintendent highlights student advisory council; dozens of students speak during public comment

The Hillsborough County School Board recognized the superintendent's Student Advisory Council during Wednesday's meeting and heard from several council members during public comment about their experiences and priorities.

Superintendent Van Ayers said the council, now in its third year, is composed of two juniors or seniors from each of the district's 29 high schools. "When I was appointed superintendent in June 2023, one of my priorities was to have a district where our student perspectives are integral into every decision that we make," Ayers said, noting 58 students serve on the council and five were scheduled to speak during public comment.

Student speakers told the board the council has broadened their leadership skills and created opportunities to address system-level issues. Ella Aden, a senior representative from Alonso High School, said serving on the council "has been a tremendous learning opportunity" and that student conversations had led to tangible improvements in communication and school safety. Other students described bringing ideas from their principal advisory councils to the superintendent-level body and said the experience taught them collaboration and compromise.

Ayers and board members said the council's feedback has already informed district communications and other initiatives and that board members are welcome to bring specific "problems of practice" to the council for student input.

The board also noted that several council members had participated in a two-day orientation and initial meetings with district staff that addressed topics such as communications and engagement.

The recognition and the student speeches were part of a broader meeting that included awards and other public comment items.