On the second floor of the school system’s administration building, a light-filled corner conference room is occupied on a daily basis by administrators and community leaders meeting with Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston to discuss a wide range of educational issues. But once a month, this same room is filled with students invited by Superintendent Hairston to share their views on these same educational issues.
The high school students who participate in these meetings are members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board, a group he has appointed each year since 2004. According to The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore County Public Schools is the only school system in the region in which the superintendent meets this frequently with student advisors.
Superintendent Hairston said that he finds the group’s perspective invaluable to his work. “The time I spend with our students helps me maintain clarity of mission,” he said. “I work from a stronger position when I hear directly from them. They give me another critical lens on our schools.”
To stay closely connected to students, in addition to meeting with the Student Advisory Board, Superintendent Hairston visits schools and participates in various student events each month, including activities with the Baltimore County Student Councils.
It is the Student Advisory Board, however, that gives Superintendent Hairston the unique opportunity to work closely with a small number of students for a full school year. “Each year, the members of this group impress me with their intelligence and with their insights into the needs, concerns, and interests of today’s students,” said Superintendent Hairston. “These young people are all exceptional scholars and leaders, wise beyond their years. They reflect the overall quality of our students.”
Each winter, Superintendent Hairston hosts a reunion of past Student Advisory Board members.
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Superintendent's Student Advisory Board 2009 |
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Superintendent's Student Advisory Board 2008 |
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Superintendent's Student Advisory Board Reunion 2007 |
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Superintendent's Student Advisory Board 2007 |
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Superintendent's Student Advisory Board Reunion 2008 |