The Superintendent’s Advisory Council has resumed its sessions. Now in its second year, this council is a group of students who meet quarterly to discuss issues within the district. Students from grades six through twelve meet with Superintendent Kelli Cogan to discuss everything from lunch and class options to student retention.
“The goal of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is to give students a voice in the decisions that impact their school experience,” Cogan explained, adding that she wants students to have a voice in the school as well as develop leadership and public speaking skills.
Any student could apply to be on the council via a Google form. Students were then selected from those applications. Cogan said she selected students based on thoughtfulness, responsibility, and interest in making a difference.
“It was important to me that the council reflects the diversity of our student body and includes voices from both the middle school and the high school,” Cogan explained. The 2025-2026 council includes 28 students across seven grade levels.
“Last year, student feedback led to changes in lunch options, improvements in communication between schools, and more student involvement in district events,” Cogan said. She explained that topics from the meeting are already being submitted to principals and the Board of Education to be implemented throughout the school year.
“I wanted to join the council because I wanted to make a positive impact on Independence and leave an impact here,” Junior council member Rylee Shepard explained.
Shepard brings ideas of her own to the meetings. “Something I would like to see implemented is focusing on what classes students take to get them on track for college, and preparing students for the future! I also hope to see a way our budget could be split among sports, music, and extracurriculars more evenly,” Shepard explained.
The council meets quarterly and is eager to make real change at IMS and IHS.
