Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council

The SSAC: Investing in our Future . . .

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) represents a diverse team of student voices from each high school in the district. The purpose of this Council is for students to engage with the Superintendent in meaningful dialogue while sharing students' views and perspectives. Members of the SSAC must be willing to serve as advocates for all students.

About the SSAC . . .

Students from grades 10-12 are eligible to be members and should be willing to serve as members of their school's leadership council. The students who participate in the SSAC will play a critical role in the communication process between their school and the district. 

Purpose:

The purpose of the SSAC is to provide the Superintendent and senior staff members feedback on ways that the District could improve students' overall experiences in our schools and provide two-way communication between the Superintendent and the students. 

Members' Role . . . 

• To communicate honestly, openly, and directly with the Superintendent and other building administrators 
• To encourage student engagement throughout their school
• To work collaboratively to help create a student culture of mutual respect
• To provide feedback for improving the high school experience for all students

Mission of the SSAC:

• To engage diverse student voices and to provide input on district initiatives.
• To build student aptitude as it relates to communication, leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement.
• To create a sustainable difference at the students’ respective schools and positively impact the district.
• To communicate honestly, openly, and directly with the superintendent and other building administrators.

Structure and Alignment:

The SSAC consists of students from each MPS high school. The council is led by elected officers; nominated and selected by the membership. Students of the SSAC are selected with the goal of achieving academic, socio-economic, and cultural diversity among members. The alumni and student engagement associate will serve as the SSAC advisor.

Superintendent's Luncheons:

At the luncheons, diverse groups of students have the opportunity to hold a conversation with the superintendent on topics specific to their school. SSAC members host the event and select students from their schools who will participate.  This event is a great opportunity for students to organize, manage, and demonstrate leadership skills.

Honor Cords:

Honor Cords are presented to graduating members for their unwavering commitment to serve as ambassadors for Milwaukee Public Schools. We acknowledge these graduates as they represent student voice for their schools while acting as a bridge between their schools and the superintendent.

2022-2023 Restructuring of Communication Model and Implementation of the Student Voice Assembly (SVA)

In 2019, SSAC members from Audubon High School led a student cohort to restructure the communication process for Student Government across the district. Each subsequent year, the SSAC worked to further develop "a plan" to better the communication process between students and school leaders.  The rationale behind this project was to develop a system that elevates student voice for all high schools.  Led by school leadership, each high school will have one main student government - Student Voice Assembly - whereby students will discuss their feedback and perspective on topics that impact their schools. Students work collectively and collaboratively on issues that affect students overall, such as mental health and equity. A small group of ambassadors from each SVA will serve on the SSAC and attend the SSAC monthly meetings, thereby providing each school a direct pathway to the Superintendent.

Guiding principles include:

• Bilateral communication between schools and the district
• Encourage affinity groups to participate
• Create equity between all high schools

Frequently Asked Questions