Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Concludes Inaugural Year of Dialogue and Action

VALLEJO, Calif. – Vallejo City Unified School District's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council wrapped up its fifth and final meeting of the 2024-25 school year last week, marking a successful launch of the district's new forum devoted to elevating student voice. In its inaugural year, the council has successfully influenced district policy, provided valuable insights, and fostered a culture of student engagement.

Throughout five monthly sessions, a diverse cohort of 6th- through 12th-grade representatives from every VCUSD middle and high school met with Superintendent Rubén Aurelio, cabinet-level leaders, and directors. The council tackled topics central to the district's Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and Strategic Plan—including classroom teaching and learning, campus safety and security, extracurricular opportunities, and the proposal to restrict cell phone use during instructional time.

"Our students are experts in their own experience," VCUSD Superintendent Aurelio said. "Their insights have already sharpened our thinking and will directly shape board policy and school-site action in the year ahead."

Throughout the meetings, students engaged in structured discussions that generated actionable feedback for district leaders.

To maintain momentum and widen representation, the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council will expand in 2025-26 to include additional students while offering current members the option to continue serving. This expansion signals a promising future for the council and the district.

"Looking ahead to next year, I'm energized by the prospect of welcoming even more student voices to the table," Superintendent Aurelio said. "Hearing directly from our young people—about what excites them, challenges them, and what they envision for their schools—gives us the clearest roadmap for continuous improvement. Their insights will guide our decisions and fuel the progress we want for every VCUSD campus."