New board member brings student voice

Student representatives from every PPS high school voted in May to elect Alexia, a Lincoln High School junior, to the position, which does not carry a vote.

She replaces Wilson High School graduate Henry Li, and will begin her term this fall.
   
Alexia says she has the experience — and ideas — to leverage her position. She has been part of the all-district Superintendent's Student Advisory Council since her sophomore year and is “close friends” with the previous two student representatives.

Henry, the outgoing representative, advised Alexia to “not be afraid of the school board members because my contributions to the conversation are important, and the members will listen, and respect what I have to say.”

Alexia wants to get more students involved in the district’s committees, which shape decisions around enrollment, Special Education and more.

She also wants students’ opinions formally included in teacher evaluations. A group of students have already created a survey that could be administered at the conclusion of classes.

Says Alexia: “We would like to make this part of the evaluation of teachers, so teachers can take the student feedback and learn what students think about their classes and teaching styles.”

She continues, “Our main goal should be that students are learning. If that is not happening, then we have a problem.”

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.