Student Voice Council

What is the council’s purpose?

The council gives students an opportunity to speak directly with Superintendent Dan Schlotfeldt and members of the School Board about their experiences in our schools. Student perspectives will help district leaders better understand what is working well, where improvements may be needed and how district decisions affect students.

This is more than a leadership opportunity. It is a chance for students to help shape the future of their schools and the Snoqualmie Valley School District.

What will council members do?

Council members will:

• Meet with the superintendent, School Board members and other district leaders

• Share ideas, experiences and concerns

• Discuss topics affecting students across the district

• Provide feedback on district programs, priorities and decisions

• Learn more about how a school district operates

• Help identify ways to strengthen student learning, belonging, safety and well-being

• Work together to develop recommendations for district leaders

Who should apply?

The council is open to SVSD students in grades 5–12. We are looking for students from different schools, grade levels, backgrounds and experiences.

Students do not need prior leadership experience, student government experience or a specific GPA to apply. A teacher recommendation is not required.

We are looking for students who are willing to:

• Listen to others

• Contribute openly and honestly

• Consider different viewpoints

• Represent more than their own experience

• Attend and participate in council meetings

How many students will serve?

The council will include up to 27 students:

• 25 students selected through the application process

• Two existing School Board student representatives

The district will use the following representation targets:

For Mount Si High School, the goal is to select one student from each grade level, grades 9–12.

These numbers are representation targets. The selection team may make adjustments based on the number of applications received while working to include students from different schools, grades, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

How will students be selected?

Applications will be reviewed by a five-person selection team consisting of:

• The superintendent

• One School Board representative

• One elementary district administrator

• One secondary district administrator

• One current School Board student representative

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Thoughtfulness and authenticity

• Interest in improving students’ school experiences

• Willingness to listen and contribute

• Ability to consider perspectives beyond the student’s own experience

• Commitment to attending and participating in meetings

• Overall representation across schools, grades, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives

Selection will not be based on GPA, previous leadership experience, student government participation or a teacher recommendation.

Application and selection timeline

• Application opens: Monday, September 28

• Application deadline: Sunday, October 16, at 5 p.m.

• Applications reviewed: October 19–23

• Students notified: Monday, October 26

Notifications will be sent to each student’s district email address and to the parent or guardian's email address listed in the application.

What is the commitment?

Council members will attend six meetings during the school year. Meetings will be held from 4:00–5:30 p.m. at Mount Si High School.

The first meeting will include an orientation, an overview of the council’s purpose and the development of group agreements.

Council members will be expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in meetings

• Arrive prepared

• Share their perspectives openly and honestly

• Listen to and consider different viewpoints

• Respect the privacy of other students

• Notify the district in advance if they cannot attend a meeting

Students may identify transportation, scheduling, language access, technology, accessibility or other participation needs in the application. A request for support will not negatively affect the selection process.

Meeting schedule

Meeting topics may be adjusted based on student interests, emerging issues and district priorities.