“The Student Advisory Council has really amplified student voices and provided all students with a platform to address issues that directly affect them and their communities. As the leader of this council, I feel that my purpose is to build as I climb, and show my peers that their voice matters.”

- Eleanor Jones, Student Advisory Council Chairwoman.

Atlanta Public Schools is committed to encouraging authentic student voice. Authentic student voice is cultivated when our students speak, advocate and lobby on their own behalf and all stakeholders respectfully listen and consider student views when making decisions that will impact them. Atlanta Public Schools believes that when we create and utilize an institutional mechanism for soliciting student's voice, we further democratize Atlanta Public Schools, increase self-efficacy and engage students as active, not passive partners. The Board of Education will convene a council of high school Student Government Association (SGA) members (hereinafter, Student Advisory Council) for the purpose of establishing a formal process for including student voice in district decision making.