Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

The afternoon focused on celebrating the council members and capturing the professional spirit of the group for our district’s digital platforms:

• Professional Portraits: Members participated in individual photo sessions in the studio, where they were officially outfitted in their SSAC jackets.
   
• Council Unity: The group gathered in the boardroom for a collaborative photo, representing both their individual schools and the unified strength of the Student Advisory Council.
   
• Board Recognition: Following the photo sessions, the formal Board of Education meeting began at 6:00 p.m., during which Board members met with the council to acknowledge the vital work and perspectives students bring to District 300.

In October, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) gathered at the Central Office for a high-energy launch with the superintendent. The meeting brought together student leaders from across the district to share their insights and drive meaningful change in future district policy. 

• Taking the Lead on Policy: The core of the meeting focused on student-led presentations regarding cell phone policy recommendations. Teams from Dundee-Crown, Hampshire, and Jacobs High Schools delivered data-driven proposals rooted in the current District 300 policy.
   
• Constructive Collaboration: It wasn’t just about presenting—it was about growth. Following each session, council members engaged in peer critiques, using a professional rubric to provide their colleagues with specific, constructive feedback. This collaborative atmosphere ensured every voice was heard and every idea was polished.
   
• Networking and Vision: After a productive morning of presentations, the council enjoyed a catered lunch, providing a valuable opportunity for student networking and informal discussion with the Superintendent.

The day concluded with an inspiring "Words of Wisdom" session from the Superintendent. She outlined the priorities for the current term and discussed exactly how student feedback will directly inform district-level decision-making.

In the end the district used a collection of ideas provided by each school team to develop the cellphone policy that we will utilize during the 2026-27 school year.

In November, our SSAC members traveled to Chicago for the Illinois Triple I Conference, a premier event for educational leadership and professional development. This field experience allowed our students to step into the world of district leadership, networking with experts, and gaining a deeper understanding of how schools are run across the state.

Conference Highlights

The day was packed with high-level learning and interactive sessions designed to empower student leaders:

• Understanding Board Governance: Students received an in-depth introduction to the mechanics of school board operations, learning exactly how school districts are governed and how policy decisions are made.
   
• Leadership Dialogue: In a unique roundtable exchange, our representatives shared their personal District 300 experiences while hearing firsthand accounts of the challenges and rewards of board service from state leaders.
   
• “Take Your Shot” Keynote: The experience culminated in an inspiring keynote by Vernice “Fly Girl" Armour. She challenged students to “take their shot”—encouraging them to take bold risks and relentlessly pursue their goals, even when faced with the possibility of failure.

This conference provided our council with the professional tools and inspiration needed to continue their vital work of bringing student perspectives to our local board here in District 300.

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is hard at work on our most ambitious project yet: Vision of Success. This initiative is all about defining what a District 300 graduate should look like and ensuring student voices are at the very heart of the district’s future strategy.

Launching the Portrait for Success Survey

From February 23 to March 13, we are launching a district-wide data collection window. This isn’t just another survey—it’s a chance for students, staff, and parents to rank the competencies that matter most to them in relation to which attributes will allow them to find success now and in the near future. Examples include:

• Critical Thinking
   
• Self-Management
   
• Ethical Awareness

Student selection of these core attributes will allow us to focus our attention and instruction towards ensuring that students are strong in these key areas, hopefully increasing their odds of success in the near future. We are looking forward to seeing what attributes students determine are the most important and beneficial.