Mikayla Rowland of Cottonwood is one of thirteen Idaho public school students from all regions of the state who gathered in Boise Oct. 3 for the first meeting of Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra’s second Student Advisory Council.
“Launching a Student Advisory Council last year was among the best decisions I’ve made as superintendent, and our quarterly meetings were a tremendous source of energy, insight and ideas,” Superintendent Ybarra said. “So this past spring I put out a call for a second group of applicants and was delighted by the enthusiastic response.”
The students hail from districts large and small in all regions of the state, representing grades 5 through 12.
“Like their predecessors, these new council members are highly engaged and passionate about issues from social media influence to the condition of school buildings and from mental and emotional health to advanced opportunities and STEAM activities,” Superintendent Ybarra said. “They are eager to learn more about Idaho’s government and education system, and they are committed to doing what they can to help schools and students live up to their potential.”
“To understand and address the needs of our schools, it is essential to get feedback and ideas from the people most affected by those needs and education policies – our students,” Superintendent Ybarra said. “Student Advisory Council members, each representing their peers, are in a great position to influence the course of their education – both by what they learn and by what they share with me, the State Department of Education, and other state leaders.”
“I can hardly wait to meet these 13 new members Oct. 3.”
Rowland is a 7th grader at Prairie Junior High and is the daughter of Brent and Tara Rowland.