(03/22/2024) In an effort to collect valuable feedback and raise student voice in the decision-making process, district leaders met with a dozen students from Sandburg Regional High School on March 22.

This meeting was the seventh of the year, as Superintendent Cory McIntyre and district leaders have scheduled visits at all district high schools. The hour-long sessions aim to gather student perspectives on the high school experience to ensure the district provides a safe, welcoming, positive school environment. View photos from the Sandburg Regional discussion.

“This meeting is important so student voices can be heard and understood and be taken seriously,” said Elena Konant, a student at Sandburg Regional. 

Associate superintendent for high schools Dr. Josh Delich led the meeting, while associate superintendent for middle schools and student services Becky Brodeur; director of secondary curriculum and instruction Nichole Rens; director of student services Nate Manaen; and Sandburg Regional Principal Heather Forse also attended the discussion to hear from students.

During the discussion, students shared what classes they would recommend all students take during high school and mentioned courses focused on health, psychology, multicultural perspectives and money management. They also discussed areas that might be a barrier to learning and many students mentioned the high school start time.

The students described the qualities of their favorite teachers and the themes that emerged were connection, listening, trust and respect. The conversation also covered safety and how to improve their high school. Overall, students feel safe and appreciate the smaller environment Sandburg Regional offers which allows them to focus on their work.

“I think it is really important for teenagers to be able to get their point and perspectives across to the adults so that we can make some change, show new ideas and bring a new, fun learning style to the table,” said Kebraea Sturdivant, a student at Sandburg Regional.

Superintendent McIntyre and district leaders have met with students from Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin-Park and Coon Rapids high schools and the Secondary Technical Education Program. Events at Anoka-Hennepin Technical High School and the COMPASS program are planned for the coming weeks.