Student Leadership Council Holds First Meeting of the Year
October 10, 2025 – Hamilton County Schools’ Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council gathered for its first meeting of the year, bringing together Junior and Senior student leaders from across the district to connect, share ideas, and explore ways to improve their schools.
The council was created to empower student voices and ensure they play a role in shaping their own education. Its mission is simple: listen, amplify, and change. Students listen by gathering honest feedback from their peers, amplify by bringing those perspectives to district leaders, and create change by working with administrators to recommend solutions.
The day began with a speed meeting round, where students had the chance to quickly rotate and meet peers from other schools. This activity helped them build relationships and see that many of the challenges and opportunities they face are shared across the district.
Later, students wrote down issues they see in their schools and then worked together to identify common themes. These included topics that affect student learning, school culture, and how students can feel more supported. The activity helped the leaders think about solutions that could work in multiple schools, not just their own.
The group also held an important vote to elect student representatives to the Hamilton County Board of Education. This role gives students a direct voice in district decisions and ensures that the perspective of young people is part of the conversation. This year’s representatives are Ryan Jenkins from Soddy Daisy High and Starr Saied from Ooltewah High School.
A highlight of the day came during the closing session, when Superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sonia Stewart sat down with the students. The students were able to ask them direct questions about current issues in their schools and hear firsthand how district leadership is working to address them. The open conversation encouraged students to speak honestly while also seeing how their ideas connect to the larger work of the district.
Dr. Stewart explained that the council grew out of a need for a more collective student voice.
“A priority that Dr. Robertson and I have had is to listen, learn, and lead,” she said. “We started small with groups of students just telling us about their experience in school. From that, we recognized the need for a more collective voice. That’s why we invited juniors and seniors from across the county to come together, elevate the concerns of their peers, and learn as leaders.”
She added that the district-wide scope makes the council stand out. “We’re asking kids to identify needs within their schools, but also find the collective themes across the county. It’s important for them to hear from each other and say, what are the things that students county-wide are dealing with and how can we help move the district in service of them?”
The Student Leadership Council is open to one junior and one senior from each school. Juniors serve a two-year term, which allows them to grow into the role and maintain stable leadership on the council. Members apply by sharing why they want to join, what they see as the biggest issue facing students, and what changes they would like to see in their schools. Once selected, students meet monthly during the school day for about two and a half hours. Together, they choose a priority topic and work toward creating real change at both their schools and the district level.
This program also reflects the district’s commitment to the value that every student belongs. This means creating safe and respectful spaces where students feel connected to their school and comfortable sharing their ideas. “This school district belongs to the kids,” Dr. Stewart emphasized. “So we need to be asking them, is it working for you?”
Students are forming new connections through activities like speed networking, peer discussions, and conversations with district leaders. Students are also building relationships and learning how their voices can shape welcoming and supportive schools for everyone. Dr. Stewart noted that the experience also builds lifelong leadership skills. “It’s about collaboration across lines of difference, solutions-oriented thinking, courageous leadership, and the ability to communicate — not just with peers, but also directly to the board and district leaders,” she said.
The council’s work will continue throughout the 2025-2026 school year. In the spring, students will attend the Tennessee School Boards Association’s SCOPE (Student Congress on Policies in Education) conference. This statewide event brings together high school students to explore education topics through mock school board meetings, group discussions, and debates. By taking part in SCOPE, students gain a deeper understanding of how school boards operate and how they can play a role in shaping the future of education.
