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Student board members pitch cultural fair, give feedback on Lincoln Middle School plans
Summary
Student board members told the District 57 Board of Education they are planning a cultural fair and offered specific feedback on Lincoln Middle School designs; trustees and administrators discussed outreach and next steps.
Michelle Getmichuk and Alex Marsh, the district’s student board members, told the District 57 Board of Education on March 20 that they are developing a cultural fair and working on a newsletter to introduce the student board to the rest of District 57.
The student board members said they have met three times with Superintendent Corinne Gore to develop their ideas and are circulating surveys to decide timing and format. “We’re really excited to be here,” Michelle said, and the pair described plans to survey students, parents and staff to pick a date that would likely be after school or on a weekend.
Why it matters: Trustees said student-led initiatives help build school engagement and urged the students to coordinate with other buildings. Board members and administrators encouraged the students to look at Fairview’s cultural fair and other local examples and to use surveys to capture interest and availability across the district.
Details from the meeting: Alex and Michelle said the cultural fair would likely occur after school or on a weekend and that they had already met with principals and staff; they have not set a date. They said they liked several elements of the Lincoln Middle School plans, including the three-story layout, larger gym and band room placement. During board questions, students said they appreciated the design elements such as a large gym and a stage located in the cafeteria rather than the gym.
Trustees and staff recommended outreach to Fairview, Lions Park and Westbrook and suggested the student newsletter as a tool to raise awareness. Board member Chris (last name not specified in the transcript) noted Mount Prospect’s established cultural fair as an example the students could review. Superintendent Gore said Fairview is already planning its own cultural fair and encouraged collaboration.
Next steps: The students will continue survey work to finalize timing and will share updates with administration. Board members offered to help connect the student board with community partners and school-based leaders.
Ending: Trustees praised the student representatives’ early work and said the district would support the cultural fair planning and continued student input on the Lincoln Middle School design.
