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Student representative urges more counselors, clearer AI rules and expanded extracurriculars
Summary
Student representative Mr. Ailey presented a building climate liaison report calling for increased access to counselors and social workers, clearer district guidance for artificial intelligence, faster maintenance responses, and more extracurricular and internship opportunities; board members recommended staff follow‑ups.
At the May 11 meeting, student representative Mr. Ailey told the Board of Education that students across the district raised concerns about mental health, academic supports and inconsistent expectations around artificial intelligence.
"Students recommend increasing access to counselors, social workers, and support staff across the schools," Ailey said, and described a counselor staffing example: "There's 3 counselors in the whole school, and we have over 750 students," which he presented as an example of capacity challenges in some buildings.
Ailey outlined student recommendations including more wellness activities and mindfulness opportunities, expanded access to tutors and after‑school study workshops, faster maintenance responses for broken AC and other infrastructure issues, and a districtwide AI guidance document with annual presentations on AI ethics and classroom expectations.
Board members responded with practical next steps. Governance chair Doctor Benitez recommended the students meet with key staff — Keisha Hannan (head of academics) and Tiffany Jackson — to identify existing services and gaps that can be communicated to students. Another board member noted a district communication about a mental health awareness night on May 13 and encouraged broad outreach to families.
The board asked for the student report's questionnaire to be circulated to members for follow up and committed to continuing the conversation with staff. No immediate funding decisions were made at the meeting; several members emphasized that many recommended actions will require additional resources or reallocation.
