St. John public school students take concerns straight to superintendent
Published 12:02 am Saturday, September 16, 2017
- West St. John High School student Tre’Shon Barnes discusses what he thinks about his school as fellow student Dejanae Frank listens at the first meeting of the Superintendent’s Council.
LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District Superintendent Kevin George established his first Superintendent’s Council to gather input from students about their schools.
Each high school has a council, with students chosen by the school administration that will meet with the superintendent once a month.
“I thought it was important to give our students a voice in our school district and an avenue to offer their feedback,” George said.
“After all, they are the ones in our schools every day and they are who our decisions affect the most.”
Members of the Superintendent’s Council at East St. John High School are, front row, from left, Ni’Jae Weston, Logan Mitchell, Aaliyah Johnson, Corey Samuel, Kaila Hall, Angelique’ Hunt, Julianna Chalas, Tahyri Bolden, Alexxus Williams, Trinity Slade, Jaylin Darensbourg, Tyree’ Tuircuit, Superintendent Kevin George, Audra Verret and Shaelin Keller.
George had his first meeting with the students Monday and gathered input about what students felt were positives about their schools and what they would like to see changed or improved.
West St. John High School students championed the family atmosphere of their school, how Principal Claude Hill personally greets them each morning and how their teachers feel like family members who genuinely care that they succeed.
To improve, students said they would like the district to further expand college and career courses, have more active clubs and bring vending machines to campus.
Members of the Superintendent’s Council at West St. John High School are, front row, from left, students Dejanae Frank, Briana Grayman, Amyri Lopez, Alyjah Borne, Talika Howard, Maya Sanders, Zian Bryant, Superintendent Kevin George, Tre’Shon Barnes, Covan Barnes and Christopher Holmes and Assistant Principal Kendria Spears.
East St. John High School students said they love the increase in school spirit this year, that their administration has worked with them on rules regarding dress code and cell phone use and new apps that allow them to ask teachers questions outside of class and get reminders about assignments or tests.
They said they would like to see additional classes, especially theater, a talent show and more help with financial aid and testing for college.
George said he would be meeting with administrators at the schools to discuss the students’ concerns and report back to the students at the next council meeting.
