Student Advisory Council meets at
State Capitol to discuss how to
strengthen public education system
OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19, 2017) – Many of Oklahoma’s student leaders
met this morning with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister
to discuss the state’s public education system and share their ideas about how
to strengthen it. The gathering marked the first meeting of the 2017-2018 Superintendent’s
Advisory Council, which consists of 99 high school students from across the
state, 31 of whom are returning members who served on last year’s inaugural council.
“We are
excited to be working with this outstanding group of Oklahoma students and
grateful for their willingness to serve,” said Hofmeister. “It is so important that student voices inform the
decisions we make in public education. They are not only its front-line stakeholders
but the future leaders of our state and the parents of those we will serve in
the coming years.”
  The group gathered in the Blue Room of the State Capitol to
discuss three of OSDE’s top initiatives: redefining the senior year, defining a
well-rounded education, and ensuring safe, supported and engaged school
communities. Students participated in small-group discussions and provided
feedback on all three topics.
“I feel like a lot of kids
don’t know what’s out there and don’t know their options until it’s too late,”
said Sydney Smith, a second-year member from Bixby High School. “We need to get
those options out there even before they start high school so they can have a
path forward.”
Added Bridget DeLeon, from
Elk City: “I think social media is so important. Kids don’t realize how it can
impact their futures.”
Members remarked on the
value of the council and the unique opportunities it affords students to
collaborate with their peers around the state.
“The State Department of
Education values student input,” said Jack Williams of Bartlesville. “This is
really the first chance many of us have had to meet with people from
dramatically different districts, ranging from 30 kids in their graduating
class to 400 or 500. It’s a really great opportunity.”
Hofmeister said today’s
conversations were enlightening and productive.
“Great young minds were at
work today. We left with valuable student perspectives on a number of issues
and look forward to collaborating with the group again at the next meeting.”
Members of the council
were nominated by the superintendents of their districts. The group will meet
again later this spring.
For a complete list of
students and their districts, click here.
Click here for photos from the Student
Advisory Council meeting available for media use.
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