Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
About the SSAC . . .
The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, SSAC, comprises 16 BCPS students in grades 5 - 12. Council members will focus on continuous improvement and supporting all schools through the lens of equity. They should be willing to play a critical role in the communication process between their school/location and the district.
Purpose:
The purpose of this council is to bridge the gap between their peers and faculty, staff, and administration by elevating student voices directly to the Superintendent and educating their peers about the workings of the district.
SSAC will provide a platform for students to share their thoughts and exchange ideas that can assist school and district leaders to improve their overall school experience. Members will serve as a voice for all BCPS students, providing valuable insight that can reshape our work as we progress toward our vision that each student leaves BCPS equipped for a world of possibilities. They will have the opportunity to work alongside the Superintendent, Dr. Williams, and other district leaders while developing their leadership, advocacy, and collaboration skills alongside a diverse community of peers.
The Advisory Council will. . .
- Serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns related to the continued enhancement of BCPS programs,
- Provide feedback for the ongoing development and evaluation of BCPS programs and processes,
- Explore ways to identify and utilize available community and BCPS resources to enrich educational experiences for all students,
- Develop leadership capacity among students, including those who are new to leadership roles, and
- Empower students to have a voice in matters that concern them.
The Burke County Public Schools Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) held its first meeting! Along with providing feedback to the superintendent about their schools, students in Superintendent Williams's Advisory Council learned more about each other in the February meeting. Sixteen students from grades 5-12 could speak with Superintendent Williams and briefly discuss potential topics for the remainder of the 2023 SSAC meetings. This group will work directly with the Superintendent and District Administrators, allowing District personnel to have a focus group of students representing and providing a voice for all of their peers in BCPS. It also offers them an opportunity to express what they think is important regarding their education, along with what could be improved, enabling students to receive an equitable education in a safe learning environment and be inspired to discover and develop their unique abilities, talents, and voice. Dr. Williams believes engaging and collaborating with staff and students is essential in creating a thriving educational environment that ignites a passion for learning that leads to excellence. She wants to create a space where staff and students can use their voices and share ideas and advice on important issues to BCPS. #Proud2BeBC
The next meeting is scheduled for March 29, 2023, at 1:30 at the Teaching and Learning Center.