Monroe County, Indiana – The Monroe County Community School Corporation’s Superintendent’s Student Voice Advisory Council (SSVAC) has officially reconvened for the new school year, bringing together students from across the district to share their perspectives and shape the future of their schools. The group includes representatives from Bloomington High School North, Bloomington High School South, the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, and Bloomington Graduation School.
Created last year by MCCSC Superintendent Dr. Markay Winston, the Student Voice Advisory Council gives students a direct platform to express ideas, address challenges, and help guide district initiatives. The goal, Winston said, is to ensure that student experiences and insights play an active role in shaping educational decisions.
During its first year, the council focused on identifying key issues they wanted to impact. Topics ranged from improving communication between students and school leadership to addressing mental health needs and helping students manage the demands of academics and extracurriculars. Members worked in small groups to refine these ideas and later presented them to the Superintendent’s leadership team for feedback and discussion.
This year, the focus shifts from discussion to action. The council will move forward with turning their ideas into tangible projects and measurable outcomes that could enhance daily life for both current and future students in MCCSC schools.
“We are excited to continue listening, learning, and leading alongside you this year,” said Becky Rose, MCCSC Director of Student Services, who helps guide and support the council. Rose noted that the council’s mission embodies MCCSC’s broader commitment to student engagement, leadership, and community building.
At their first meeting of the new school year, students reflected on their experiences with the council so far, sharing words that described what the program means to them. “Power, understanding, thoughtful, caring, heard, together, responsibility, advocate, empowerment, mutual respect, connection, opinionated, empowered, representation, respect, harmony, community, engaged, unity, listen and impact” were among the words they used.
Those words capture the sense of collaboration and belonging the council hopes to foster as it grows. The students’ input continues to influence MCCSC’s approach to student well-being, leadership development, and communication within schools.
Over the coming months, council members will continue meeting in small groups to develop and implement their projects, guided by district leaders and staff mentors. The work ahead reflects not only their commitment to improving their schools but also to ensuring that student voices remain a meaningful part of decision-making in Monroe County schools.
Through continued collaboration and creativity, the SSVAC is helping MCCSC strengthen its culture of inclusion, empowerment, and shared leadership—one student idea at a time.
