Student representative presents survey findings: communication and student voice top themes

Student board representative Jay Keller presented results of a student survey to the Caroline County School Board on April 13, reporting 197 anonymous responses with a majority from high school students. Keller identified five recurring themes: inconsistent communication about events and opportunities; mixed student–teacher relationships (strong in some classrooms, disconnected in others); a desire for a more inviting school environment; uneven parent and community engagement across programs; and a call for more student voice in decision-making.

Keller proposed a feedback-cycle system to allow student leadership groups to share topics and solicit input from students not in leadership roles, preserving private deliberation in leadership groups while widening access to input. Board members praised the work and discussed next steps, including sharing results with advisory groups and integrating findings into division goals.

Board members commended Keller for the methodology and alignment to district priorities. Keller said the next step may include participating in interviews to help select the next student representative and implementing proposed feedback structures across schools.

The presentation concluded with board encouragement to translate the findings into targeted actions and to continue monitoring student voice as part of routine engagement efforts.