The Superintendent's Advisory Council

In 1993, for example, local leaders saw the need to consider student suggestions in educational reform, and, in response, a group called Students for the Betterment of Education was created. This group drafted a Student Bill of Rights outlining what they believed were the biggest concerns facing students.

Later, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council took its place and exerted more of an influence on local education. This initiative encourages student input in the education process and develops young leaders as educational advocates. The advisory council is composed of 11th and 12^th graders from each of the fourteen high schools in Mobile County. They meet monthly with Harold Dodge, Superintendent of MCPSS, to bring questions and concerns to him, and he strives to resolve every issue and reassure the students that their voices are indeed being heard. This group was instrumental during the Yes We Can Initiative. They represented the student voice in the community meetings by contributing, recording, and facilitating. Over the last thirteen years the council has taken on such issues as class size, arts programs, state school funding, alcohol policies, commercialism in the schools, and teacher quality.

To ensure that members of the Student advisory Council are prepared to address these issues effectively, MAEF and the MCPSS has provide training. Each year, the council has a weekend retreat at The Camp Beckwith Lodge.  This activity helps to develop leadership, teamwork, and goal setting skills, and helps to establish genuine friendships among council members. After the retreat, members of the council are prepared to work together to address the concerns of their peers. In addition, further training and instructions are given on the specific initiatives for the year.