Antioch Unified formally swears in student trustees as district expands student voice

Antioch Unified School District ceremonially inducted five student board members and formally introduced the superintendent student advisory committee at the open portion of the board meeting. The students will participate in board discussions as full, non‑voting members and serve as a conduit for student voice across district sites.

During the public comment period immediately before the oath, Devin Williams (LiftUp Contracasta/NAACP youth leader) welcomed student representation. Students on the advisory committee later reported priorities from their first meeting: anonymous reporting avenues for bullying, more mental-health outreach and therapists, expanded peer-advocate programs, improved counselor response and inclusion measures for students with disabilities. "We think schools should have anonymous reporting boxes for bullying and mental health so students can ask for help without being scared," said Christian, an eighth grader at Park Middle School.

Board members and Superintendent Dr. Darnice Williams praised the new student representatives, called the moment historic and encouraged the students to keep the board accountable. The board stressed that by law student votes are advisory and that student trustees’ participation is structured to amplify student feedback into board deliberations and district planning. Several trustees said they expected student input to inform policies on climate, safety and curriculum.

Next steps: Student trustees will attend regular board meetings and coordinate with the superintendent’s student advisory committee; staff said the advisory will report back on pilot items including anonymous reporting, counseling load and events scheduled for student engagement.