Amplifying student voice: The value of our new student board member

At the Windber Area School District, we recently elected our first student board member, Skylee Miller, chosen by her peers to bring a student perspective to our school governance. Amplifying student voice is a growing priority for school districts across the country. While we are not the first district to create this role, we are excited to join a national movement that empowers young people to actively participate in shaping the future they will inherit. This position isn’t merely symbolic; it represents our belief that students are essential partners in building a thriving school environment. By including students in decision-making, we affirm that their perspectives and experiences are valuable in the development of policies that directly impact their lives.

As a board member, Skylee will have the unique opportunity to engage directly in the governance of our schools. Her presence at board meetings will ensure that student insights, concerns and ideas are part of the conversation, influencing decisions that affect everything from school culture to curriculum priorities. By bridging the gap between students and school leadership, this position will allow Skylee — and future student board members — to bring real-world perspectives to the board while also serving as a resource for their peers, who now have a formal channel through which their voices can be heard.

Additionally, this role models leadership and community service for Skylee and for all of our students. We believe that by giving students the tools to lead and the opportunity to make an impact, we are nurturing not only tomorrow’s leaders but active citizens who understand the importance of contributing to their communities. This experience will provide Skylee with firsthand insights into policy development, public service and the complexities of decision-making. She will gain invaluable skills in leadership and advocacy, lessons that will serve her well beyond her years in Windber.

This initiative is more than a title; it is a commitment to fostering civic responsibility, listening to diverse perspectives and working together to build a school environment that serves everyone well. We congratulate Skylee on her appointment, and we look forward to the contributions she will bring to our board. At Windber, we are proud to be part of a movement that values student voice and is committed to helping young people shape their world — starting here and now.