Improving School Culture Through Student Voice and Engagement
When school leaders truly listen to student voices—and take action—powerful change happens. In the May issue of AASA’s School Administrator magazine, Studer Education Leader Coach Dr. Deanna Ashby highlights three school districts prioritizing student feedback to improve student well-being, school safety, and a sense of belonging.
Through real examples from Central Linn School District in Oregon and Meade County and Barren County Schools in Kentucky, Dr. Ashby shares how acting on student voice in schools can lead to transformational results.
From Feedback to Action in Oregon
In Central Linn School District, former superintendent Candace Pelt-Perez surveyed students to better understand their experiences around school safety and wellness. The anonymous survey revealed that younger students felt unsafe on buses and were dissatisfied with meal choices.
Rather than brushing off the data, the district responded directly. Elementary students were bused separately from older students, increasing their sense of safety. In food services, new healthy options were introduced. “Students and staff were excited because they felt their feedback mattered,” said Pelt-Perez.
These small steps helped students take part in panels and committees, including those that informed budgetary decisions, giving student engagement real impact.
Amplify Student Voice
Dr. Janet Pilcher talks with leaders from Central Linn School District about how using student feedback in short-term improvement cycles led to safer buses, better cafeteria options, and stronger student-adult collaboration.
Elevating Student Voice in Kentucky
In Meade County Schools, Superintendent Mark Martin regularly meets with students through his Student Advisory Council. The goal? Build relationships and listen deeply to student concerns. “Our students, whether it’s getting on the bus in the morning or during the school day, need to know that our teammates love and care about their well-being,” Martin said.
When students raised concerns about vaping and bathroom safety, the district responded by installing vape detectors and increasing supervision. But students wanted more than punishment—they wanted help. This led to a revamped, tiered counseling program for addiction support. Students who engaged with the program faced fewer disciplinary consequences because their peers advocated for a better solution.
The district also used student feedback to address a low sense of belonging. By increasing opportunities in co-curricular and extracurricular programs, leaders aimed to help students build stronger school connections outside the classroom.
Martin notes that counselors in Meade County now meet monthly to align mental health strategies and support for at-risk students—another example of school leadership hardwiring a culture of student-centered care.
Prioritizing Student Health in Barren County
In Barren County Schools, Director of Nutrition Services CheyAnne Fant—recipient of AASA’s 2023 Women in School Leadership Award—emphasized the urgency of listening to student voice when it comes to health.
Her leadership highlights the importance of acting quickly when student feedback reveals critical needs.
Prioritize Student Health
Listen as CheyAnne Fant, Director of Nutrition Services at Barren County Schools, shares how her district earned recognition as one of America’s Healthiest Schools by actively engaging student voice to improve wellness initiatives.
Building Student-Centered Cultures That Last
At Studer Education, we believe student voice is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for improvement. As Dr. Ashby highlights in her article, when district leaders empower students to speak up and respond with actionable strategies, schools become safer, healthier, and more connected places to learn and grow.
Read the full article in AASA School Administrator Magazine.
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Deanna Ashby Leader Coach
School Administrator magazine
This issue dives into how school districts can create safe and supportive school environments for their staff and students.
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Learn More: Podcast Episodes on Elevating Student Voice and Well-being
For real-world strategies on how school leaders are using student voice to drive mental health support, improve belonging, and inform district decisions, explore these episodes of the Accelerate Your Performance podcast. You’ll hear how educators are creating structures that empower students, strengthen engagement, and lead to meaningful change.
Using Student Voice to Help Shape District Plans
Dr. Janet Pilcher and Leader Coach Gayle Juneau-Butler explore how student focus groups can inform strategic planning and why deeply listening to student perspectives is essential for the future of school districts.
How to Collect the Student Voice
This episode explores why it’s critical for school leaders to listen directly to students, offering strategies to gather their input, understand their concerns, and support their well-being during challenging times.
Continuous Improvement to Support Students
Principal Amy Mikesell and Instructional Coach Kate Dean share how Estacada High School (OR) uses strategies like PDSA, rounding, and Plus/Delta to empower students and drive meaningful classroom improvements.
