Superintendent Student Advisory Council

Empowering students to share their voice and help shape the Stafford MSD experience.

Purpose and Mission

The Stafford Municipal School District Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a group of 18 student leaders representing Stafford MSD’s two high schools.

The Council will include students in grades 10–12, with three students from each grade level selected from each high school.

The SSAC will work directly with the Superintendent and district leaders to provide an authentic student voice on issues that impact the educational experience in Stafford MSD. The Council will serve as a student focus group, providing feedback, sharing ideas, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping district leadership better understand the experiences and perspectives of SMSD students.

The SSAC also provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills, engage directly with district leadership, and help shape the future of Stafford MSD.

Why the SSAC Was Established

Stafford MSD believes student voice is an important part of creating an outstanding educational experience. Students experience our schools every day, and their perspectives can help district leaders understand what is working well, where opportunities exist, and how we can continue improving.

The SSAC creates a structured opportunity for students to use their voice, share ideas, and advise the Superintendent on issues that are important to students across Stafford MSD.

VOICE

Strengthen communication and relationships between students and district leadership while ensuring student perspectives are included in conversations about the future of Stafford MSD.

Provide students with an opportunity to share innovative ideas, celebrate what is working well, express concerns, and recommend ways to strengthen the student experience.

ADVISE

Serve in an advisory capacity to the Superintendent on issues, initiatives, programs, and decisions that directly impact Stafford MSD students.

Membership and Selection

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council will consist of 18 students representing Stafford MSD’s two high schools.

Each high school will have nine representatives:

Three 10th-grade students
Three 11th-grade students
Three 12th-grade students

Students will be selected annually through an application process. Selection will focus on identifying students who demonstrate leadership potential, a willingness to represent the perspectives of their peers, and a commitment to improving Stafford MSD.

Applications will open on September 4, 2026, and close on September 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

SSAC 2026-2027 Student Application

Additional Information

Meeting Dates & Times

Leadership Opportunities

Stafford MSD believes leadership can be developed in every student. Participation in the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council will provide students with opportunities to strengthen their communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Student Chairperson

One student from each high school may serve as a Student Chairperson. If more than one student from a campus is interested, Council members from that campus will vote to select their representative.

Student Chairpersons will:

Gather ideas and potential agenda items from Council members.
Assist the Superintendent and district staff in developing meeting agendas.
Assist with facilitating Council discussions.
Represent the SSAC, or designate another member, when presenting information to the Stafford MSD Board of Trustees or other district and community groups.

Secretary

One student from each high school may serve as Secretary. If more than one student from a campus is interested, Council members from that campus will vote to select their representative.

Secretaries will:

Assist with recording and distributing meeting notes.
Help track Council recommendations and follow-up items.
Assist with developing future meeting agendas based on previous discussions.

Council Members

All SSAC members are expected to attend meetings, actively participate in discussions, and serve as representatives of the broader Stafford MSD student body.

Members will:

Bring student concerns, questions, ideas, and successes to the Council.
Provide thoughtful and respectful feedback to the Superintendent and district leadership.
Seek input from fellow students when appropriate.
Share relevant information from SSAC meetings with their peers.
Participate in brainstorming and developing possible solutions to challenges.
Serve as ambassadors for Stafford MSD.
Participate in student leadership development opportunities during the school year.

Our Commitment

The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is more than a student focus group. It is an opportunity for Stafford MSD students to have a meaningful seat at the table.

Through the SSAC, students will have direct access to district leadership and an opportunity to influence conversations about academics, student life, safety, culture, extracurricular opportunities, facilities, communications, and the overall student experience.

Most importantly, the Council will ensure that as Stafford MSD continues to grow and improve, student voice remains an important part of how we move forward.

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