Student leaders present prom-access drives, safety goals and recommendations from district advisory council

Student leaders from Borah and Boise high schools and members of the district Student Advisory Committee presented updates and recommendations to the board on April 13, describing prom-access efforts, community service drives and student-led proposals to improve safety, belonging and student voice.

Borah ASB President Josie Gregory described class fundraisers including a pickleball tournament with a grand prize of free prom tickets and a new prom dress closet intended to reduce costs for students. "The grand prize for winning this tournament will be free prom tickets," Gregory said, citing the school’s effort to expand access to formal dances.

Boise High student leaders reported a high turnout for pre-prom and described other student activities, including mental-health outreach through the Bronco Bold partnership with Boise State and plans for graduation on May 20 at Extra Mile Arena.

Student Advisory Committee members presented four priority goals based on engagement-survey findings: improving students’ sense of safety and belonging, increasing the number of trusted adults in buildings, ensuring student opinions are valued, and exploring approaches to class rank. Presenters recommended interventions such as peer mentoring, personalized meet-and-greets with staff, feeder-school outreach and a student-produced Title IX video to improve understanding and accessibility.

Trustees thanked the student presenters and asked questions about survey neutral responses and how the district will close the loop on results. Students asked to meet more frequently next year and to continue discussion of standards-based reporting and the role of AI in teaching and learning.

Next steps: student ideas will be incorporated into building-level planning; the Student Advisory Committee will continue working with district staff to refine recommendations and communications.