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Student representatives present districtwide feedback: uniforms, recess timing, bathrooms and post‑secondary supports
Summary
Student school board representatives reported input from students across Columbia Heights schools on May 27, with recurring themes of connection, concerns about uniform costs and calls for more post‑secondary supports and better Wi‑Fi.
Student school board representatives presented a districtwide summary to the Columbia Heights School Board on May 27 after meeting with students from Valley View, Highland, North Park, Columbia Academy and Columbia Heights High School.
The student team said they met with groups across grades 2–12 and asked what students value, what they enjoy about the school day, what changes they want and what matters most. The presentation reported school‑level highlights and specific recommendations:
- Valley View (35 students, grades 3–5): Students said they value kind classmates and staff, specialists and recess. Recommendations included removing the uniform requirement, improving the playground, involving students in lunch planning, improving bathrooms and extending recess. Students had raised nearly $2,000 for SECA, the presentation noted.
- Highland (grades 2–4): Students valued math and reading projects, science and outdoor activities, and connections with teachers. Recommendations included moving recess before lunch, safer play at recess, more outdoor eating on nice days, more free time and reduced phone use.
- North Park School for Innovation: Students highlighted caring teachers, STEM curriculum, a bio digester (noted as a distinctive facility feature) and creative specialists. Requests included fewer tests and more projects, leadership jobs for students, and more field trips.
- Columbia Academy (grades 6–8): Students valued after‑school programs, course offerings and community events. Concerns included the cost of uniforms and extracurriculars, limited color choices for hijabs and pants, restricted phone access and lunch line processes; students also wanted larger lunch portions and more cold‑lunch options.
- Columbia Heights High School (14 students): Students stressed the value of PSEO and stacking AP/ARCC classes, a wide variety of courses and the 2‑day, 4‑block schedule. Recommendations included expanded post‑secondary resources and counseling, updated sports equipment, more social workers and better Wi‑Fi and filtered site access; vaping education and elimination was a recurring request.
Representatives said next steps include following up with principals (student leaders will connect with Principal Wynne for high‑school topics) and sending a welcome‑back letter in September to inform students of items the board and administration will address. Superintendent Stenvick and board members thanked the students for the “connection”‑focused presentation and asked staff to circulate the full slide deck in the Friday packet.
Why it matters: The report brings student voice into district planning on uniforms, recess scheduling, facilities, mental‑health supports and college‑and‑career resources, and sets clear follow‑up steps for administration.
What’s next: Administration will coordinate with principals and the superintendent’s office to respond to the student recommendations, and the student team will receive a written follow‑up in September.
