Dear South Bay Community,
To develop student leadership and encourage engagement in their education, we launched the Student Leadership Council this year. The Council will provide an important platform for student voice and agency and provide an opportunity for them to impact district decisions and school culture.
Our first meeting on November 6 was hosted at Mendoza and included lunch and transportation to/from schools. Every elementary school was represented by one student leader, and our two charter schools had two representatives: one from the primary grades and one representing middle school. The discussion included identifying focus areas and a discussion on how to use surveys and digital platforms to collect student feedback.
At the conclusion of the meeting, students shared how they felt about their participation in the Council. These are a few examples: I feel empowered, I feel happy and excited, and I feel like I can make a difference.
Our vision for the Council is to build a thriving, inclusive school district that prioritizes student experience and provides opportunities for students to collaborate on district initiatives. The Council will meet two more times this year, culminating in a presentation to our governing board in June 2026 to share their recommendations, showcase achievements, share goals, and celebrate student leadership.
Jose Espinoza
Superintendent
