School District 230 welcomes students to Board of Education Committees
Students from across Consolidated High School 230 are adding their voices to Board of Education committee meetings. Specifically, three students from each school have been selected to serve on each of the three Board of Education Committees – Education, Student Support & Development, and Building & Finance.
For the past several years, there has been growing momentum to include student voices in the district decision-making process. These newest committee appointments are in addition to already existing Student Representatives to the Board, as well as the Superintendent Student Advisory Committees at each school.
“Although student committee members are not voting members of the committee, students will be able to hear about and provide feedback to the policies and initiatives that go through the Board,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Nolting.
Board Committees comprise community members, School Board members, staff and administration, and students. Each member serves an important role in providing insight and expertise regarding topics being considered by the full Board.
Congratulations to the following student committee members:
Sandburg’s Student Representatives
Adunola Ogedengbe-Student Support and Development
Lujane Zorub- Education Committee
Neel Patel- Building and Finance
Stagg’s Student Representatives
Jennah Kittana – Education Committee
Ameera Zaied – Student Support and Development
Building and Finance- Rodger Lederer
Andrew’s Student Representatives
Morgan Murray – Education Committee
Luke Herzic – Building and Finance
Joseph Boss – Student Support and Development
The idea of student committee members surfaced from Sandburg now-senior Adunolaoluwa Ogedengbe. “In an effort to take student advocacy a bit further and to provide student perspectives on making decisions that ultimately impacted one group of people the most–students, I pitched the idea of student committee members to Superintendent Nolting,” Ogedengbe said.
Dr. Nolting requested a more detailed plan and Ogedengbe researched and analyzed the idea and presented a plan to Dr. Nolting. Dr. Nolting confirmed that the Board was open to the idea of instituting these new positions for the first time last year.
The student representatives serve as bridges between the student body and the Board, keeping students informed about matters and building a stronger sense of trust and a clear line of communication.
Ogedengbe said it is her mission to advocate for her peers, “Ultimately, I do not solely look forward to what I can gain from this experience but rather how I can increase the gain of current and future D230 students that are directly impacted by the decisions we make. Overall, I look forward to furthering my role as a leader and an advocate.”
Andrew senior Joseph Boss said, “I believe student voice is so important at District 230 because it creates a strong connection between teachers and students. Strong connections are built to develop future strategies and engagement for the school community. As a student representative for Andrew High School, my biggest goal is hoping my voice helps educators understand areas that need to be improved.”
Sandburg junior Neel Patel said, “I believe student voice is incredibly important at D230, especially in the finance committee. Before I was on this committee, like most students, I had no idea about the services and work that goes into each school day. As a student liaison, I am able to do my part to make the student experience better. Already, I have met dozens of smart, driven, and capable members of the committee who have taught me tons in just one meeting.”
Similarly, Andrew senior Luke Herzic said, “Finance is an area of study that I am considering pursuing in college, and I believe that the board is a great way to explore the field more in-depth. I hope to gain further development in my leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a professional setting. I am the DECA president and would love to gain the talent to represent myself and my school in a positive way.”
Fellow Eagle senior Lujane Zorub said, “Student voice in the district d230 is immensely valued as first-hand experience of the students allows staff members of our district to see a different perspective. A new outlook from students leads to improvement in our education system because the needs of the students are better understood!”
Stagg Charger and senior Jennah Kttana said, “I wanted to act as a voice for those who do not have one. Student voice provides deeper insight to those in charge on what it is truly like to be a part of our community.” “I hope to become more educated of my surroundings and dismantle possible ignorance I may hold regarding issues around me,” she added.
Senior Ameera Zaied from Stagg said, “Representing Stagg’s student body gives me the chance to forward the thoughts and concerns of my school community directly to those who can make the greatest difference. My ultimate goal is to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment where every student feels represented and heard.”
“Student voice on the Board committee adds an essential element. Their perspective helps inform and adds value to the decision-making process,” said Dr. Lynn Zeder, president of the District 230 Board of Education.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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