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School committee approves motion to form youth advisory council focused on mental health
Summary
A motion introduced by Mr. Rossi to establish a joint middle‑ and high‑school youth advisory council focused on social‑emotional learning and mental health passed May 7 after students from Daley Middle School testified in favor; the superintendent will develop the council structure.
The Lowell School Committee voted on May 7 to ask the superintendent to establish a youth advisory council focused on student mental health, after a motion by Mr. Rossi (seconded by Miss Doherty) and testimony from middle‑school students.
Mr. Rossi said the idea originated from students at Daley Middle School and described the council as a joint middle‑ and high‑school body to help bridge communication gaps between students and district decisionmakers. Eighth‑grader Anna Silva told the committee the council would help standardize SEL (social‑emotional learning) across buildings and give students a voice on funding and program design: "A youth advisory council could tell the decision makers what works for us and what doesn't work for us and what we need," she said.
Another student, who identified himself as Rory from James S. Daley Middle School, said the council would enable students to propose solutions on mental‑health topics and help guide teacher professional development. Committee members responded positively, asked how SEL might be integrated across grades, and confirmed the motion; the committee passed it by voice vote.
The motion directs the superintendent to return with a proposed charter and membership and to consider SEL integration, the possibility of a 'what I need' block and student leadership opportunities. The administration said it will report back with implementation recommendations.
