More than three dozen students from every high school within Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s boundaries gathered in the district’s boardroom Tuesday for a first-of-its kind meeting with Superintendent Heather Contreras.
The Superintendent Student Advisory Meeting, which Contreras said will occur at least six times per year, was a chance to connect with the young people most affected by district policy.
“Education serves students,” she said. “So I want to make sure all the decisions we’re making, the lens we use to make those decisions, are always centered on what our students want and think.”
Contreras said that 28 students applied to become the student trustee, a number that was whittled down to six. Daniel Esqueda was appointed, but that decision was a difficult one, Contreras said. So they brought those students on board too.
Esqueda and the other six students will meet with Contreras before every board meeting to review the board agenda and give their input. And as items come up during the meetings, Esqueda can then give input from the students’ perspective.
The six also will serve as small group leaders during the advisory meeting.
“This meeting is extremely important because it exemplifies the true meaning of community,” Esqueda said. “We have the opportunity as students and community members to come together and voice our opinions, concerns, and ideas directly to our superintendent.
We will have more meetings throughout this school year, and we will continue to tackle issues that arise within our district, ensuring that every student can have their needs met and thrive within our district.”
