Pictured: Student leaders Gabby Lenssen (Ferndale), Maggie Litvachuk (Oak Harbor), Harleen Malli (Ferndale), and Allena Locklear (Oak Harbor) presenting a signed mission statement developed by student board representatives to regional superintendents.
On Friday, March 7, students from across Northwest Washington met at the Northwest Educational Service District 189 headquarters in Anacortes for a student-led leadership conference, focused on empowering current and future student board representatives. This was the first conference of its kind in Washington and could serve as a blueprint for other regions.
The conference was organized and led by student school board representatives Gabby Lenssen and Harleen Malli of Ferndale School District, and Maggie Litvachuk and Allena Locklear of Oak Harbor Public Schools. Oak Harbor Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula and Managing Director of the Washington School Principals Education Foundation Greg Barker championed the event.
While many districts have student board representative roles, there is often little guidance on how to effectively orient and support students in navigating their responsibilities. This event was designed to bring together student board representatives from the NWESD 189 to collaboratively define a shared vision for their role and its impact.
“Washington State has 295 school districts, 271 serving K-12 students,” said Barker. “There is a great opportunity to define and strengthen roles for student leaders like these and to create shared onboarding experiences that can be implemented across the state. This event is really laying the groundwork for that to happen.”
Students representing Anacortes, Ferndale, Lake Stevens, Lakewood, Lynden, Marysville, Meridian, Oak Harbor, San Juan Island, Sedro-Woolley, South Whidbey, and Sultan school districts came together to share the unique experiences from their schools, co-create a mission statement and equip themselves with the tools and confidence needed to thrive in their leadership roles.
South Whidbey student Carter Mcknight is not only a student board representative for his district, but is also the Chair of Washington State Student Representative Network. “I’d like to see more students with seats at the table and seen as equals in the decision making processes that impact current and future students,” Mcknight said.
“It is really important that we carry ourselves with the same demeanor that elected members do,” said Yostina Mosa, a student representative from Lake Stevens. “We represent the board to the students and represent the students to the board.”
“No one should make decisions for us, without us,” added fellow Lake Stevens student representative Laasyasri Nookala.
To cap off the half-day conference, students presented their mission statement and shared about their experience with their superintendents over lunch.
“Bringing together some of our most influential student leaders has been a dream come true — one that we envisioned over two years ago. To witness the work, planning, and dedication that has gone into this event, and to see students leading students, is truly powerful," said Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula. "Their passion and commitment to student voice will shape the future of our schools in meaningful ways, and we are honored to support and empower them as they step forward to lead."
NWESD 189 Student Representative Mission Statement: A student representative is an individual who chooses to learn from, advocate for, and make decisions that benefit all students from diverse backgrounds. They demonstrate respect and responsibility through their actions and involvement in the community, which is guided by a passion for equitable, accessible education and a desire to build lasting connections and pathways to success.
Oak Harbor Public Schools Media Contact
Sarah Foy, APR, Communications Officer
Sfoy@ohsd.net
360-279-4045 |
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Ferndale School District Media Contact
Celina Rodriguez, Executive Director of Communications
celina.rodriguez@ferndale.org
360-383-9213 |
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