Students tell Chico Unified board they value teachers, want more counseling and practical academic supports

Chico Unified staff reported summaries of student input gathered for the Local Control and Accountability Plan during the Oct. 16 board meeting.

Representatives from elementary, junior high and high school sites described what's working and what could improve. Students commended teachers and counselors, praised after‑school programs and, at junior high, said PBIS and teacher flexibility made them feel supported. Across levels students suggested smaller group counseling, additional campus supervision at busy hallways and subject‑specific homework sessions run by teachers.

Some students praised the district's cell phone policy and said it made them feel safer during incidents because fewer students were recording. Secondary students also raised practical facility requests (bathroom updates at some sites, additional tennis courts at Chico High) and transportation concerns from students who said reliable buses could provide safety and stability for vulnerable students.

Staff said student groups were selected by site administrators and counselors to be representative and that meeting participation numbers varied by level (about 24 elementary reps, 11 junior high reps and 14 high school reps). Board members praised the maturity of the students and asked staff to continue inviting board members to future input sessions.

Staff said the district will continue to share these recommendations and incorporate them into planning and site-level discussions.