Dress code, graduation plans, mental health initiatives and yes, even toilet paper.
These are all topics that impact students across North East ISD. These are also matters that students on the District’s Student Voice Advisory Committee are encouraged to weigh in on. Their opinion often results in change.
The Student Voice Advisory Committee launched in 2019 with that very goal in mind. The committee is made up of juniors and seniors from every high school in the District. They meet four times a year with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sean Maika and NEISD Board of Trustees President Shannon Grona.
Seniors Zaniah Parker and Calvin Turner represent Roosevelt High School. Both are thankful for the opportunity to advocate on behalf of their student body.
“There’s always room for improvement. The way we get things done has been really good,” said Turner. “We’ll talk about one topic for 20 or 30 minutes to make sure everyone can share their opinion in as much detail as possible. My experience has been a good one.”
One example of change may surprise you. Earlier this year, juniors and seniors from every high school voiced their opinion about the toilet paper in restrooms across the District. Dr. Maika took their feedback to his Executive Staff and now, a few months later, a different brand of toilet paper now hangs in restroom stalls in facilities and campuses across the District.
On Wednesday, April 27, the Student Voice Advisory Committee met with Grona and Dr. Maika for the final time this year.
“The Student Voice Advisory Committee is important to Dr. Maika and the board,” said Grona. “I want you to know how much we value your input and opinions. Your opinions do matter and we have made some changes based on your feedback. From a Board perspective, we truly value your input.”
Parker has enjoyed her time serving on the Student Voice Advisory Committee. One aspect she enjoys is hearing the perspectives from students who attend different high schools.
“This has been a really good experience,” said Parker. “I like it because a lot of students share how they do things on their campus. It’s a good opportunity to get ideas and see how things work on other campuses and find out if maybe there’s a better way to do things.”
