Student Member of the Board committee members pace around to provide assistance throughout the BOE meeting. Throughout the night, they supported students and staff while observing conversations taking place at different tables.

Middle school students sit alongside high school students, diligently engaged in conversation and taking notes. To maximize equity and representation, students participating in the meeting came from diverse backgrounds and age ranges.

Middle school students speak passionately about mental health and school safety-related issues with MCPS Safety and Security staff. Many students shared serious, prevalent issues at their respective institutions, and MCPS staff stated that they would work to address these problems.

Shawn Krasa, the MCPS supervisor for work-based learning, answers students’ questions regarding college & career readiness programs. To his left Dr. Genevieve Floyd, represented the Department of College and Career Readiness and to his right, Laura Stewart, Board member for District 4 covering North Bethesda, Silver Spring and Kensington.

Students speak with Board members and other representatives during conference intermissions. Conference tables at the meeting rotated to allow students to engage in specific conversations with different, specialized representatives.

At-large Board member Karla Silvestre, former MCPS Board president, gives closing remarks. Staff members were encouraged to share aloud amongst students to exemplify how meeting with students was beneficial for them as well.

Superintendent Thomas Taylor talks with curious students regarding various MCPS-related issues. Student meetings with the Board of Education intend to foster conversations where members can learn directly from students and better address their needs.

District 4 Board representative Laura Stewart discusses with students about issues within their region. District 4 is one of the most densely populated MCPS districts, representing students from North Bethesda, Silver Spring and Kensington.

Participants applaud as students and staff shared their experiences to conclude. As more chose to speak and share their experience, the hands of student participants only increased.

Students, to conclude, speak about what they learned from their experience at the conference. Amongst high school students, middle school students were also frequently sharing their important findings.