Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Advisory Team topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Midland students say communication, safety and school-level advisory teams should shape district plans
Summary
A student superintendent advisory team told the Midland Public Schools board that students want clearer feedback channels, better communication (including social media outreach), and attention to safety and mental-health supports; the board pledged continued engagement and regular input into facility and strategic planning.
Students on the Midland Public Schools Superintendent Student Advisory Team presented to the board on Dec. 15, outlining the group's purpose, accomplishments and priorities.
Angelina, a senior who introduced the team, said SSAT was formed in 2023 and includes representatives from Dow High, Midland High and PATH students. The team meets monthly and is facilitated by Kathy Snyder of the well-being coalition. Members said their mission is to "amplify the student voice" on issues such as student engagement, facility input, strategic planning, mental health and safety.
Katie Kai told the board students view district strengths as strong academic pathways (CTE, dual enrollment, IB and AP), varied extracurricular options and supportive staff. Brady Mia said the team's input had already influenced facility planning and strategic-planning work, and credited a recent mental-health session with improved communication back to students and families.
In Q&A, students pressed for a simple, visible channel for students to provide feedback beyond current routes such as principals and teachers. They said social media (Instagram) has been effective for outreach and suggested school-level advisory teams could expand student engagement. Repeated themes the students raised were communication, safety (entry screening and monitoring) and finding ways to engage students who are not currently involved in activities.
Board members thanked the students for professional presentations and said they value the SSATinput. The board noted limits on a student sitting as a voting board member but committed to regular, structured opportunities for student input at both district and school levels. Administrators said they plan follow-ups during facility planning and strategic-planning sessions.
The presentation closed with a pledge to keep students involved on a recurring basis and to explore school-level versions of the advisory team to increase engagement districtwide.
