Super Students Represent School at Superintendent Luncheon

By Kathya Anguiano

Dr. Brian G. Gottardy, Superintendent of Schools, hosted students representing each of the high schools for the second Superintendent Student Luncheon Tuesday April 2.

Students were selected by their school principals and were able to share ideas and issues that they encounter on an everyday basis at their school. Seniors Breonna Washington and Quaylan Webb were given the honor to be able to represent the school and bring back ideas to help improve the school.

According to the District’s website, Dr. Gottardy thinks it’s important to get input directly from students around the district to help him and the executive staff make more informed decisions. He asked the group how they feel about their schools, if they feel prepared for life after high school, and if there is anything they would want to change. The students were chosen because of their involvement across various areas on campus.

“I have had many conversations with Breonna and Quaylan and I believe that they have a good idea of the daily functions at Roosevelt to have been able to represent our school at the luncheon” principal Melvin Echard said. “Mr. Gottardy has quarterly luncheons and next time I will pick two other students who I believe will bring good feedback. I chose Breonna because she is the Coronel of her spirit team and Quaylan is the Battalion for the JROTC and I feel that I share a good relationship with them to where they feel comfortable talking to me, know and trust that I will take all their ideas into consideration.”

Students were able to discuss their experiences and ideas through their high school years, and also be able to hear other students’ opinions and how they all can be implemented to their school.

“I felt honored to have been picked by Mr. Echard to best represent the school in attending the Superintendent Luncheon so that my opinion can be heard” Webb, senior, said. “I think that the Luncheon has really helped Dr. Gottardy realize more of what students want and how he can affect their motivation for school.”

Like Webb, Washington was also honored to have been able to represent the school at a district meeting.

“It felt nice to have been picked by Mr. Echard to represent the school I have been going to and given my dedication for four years,” Washington, senior, said. “The point to the luncheon was basically to have seniors give feedback and give ideas that they had and also hear ideas that the district had and how we may react to them. I do believe that Dr. Gottardy got a lot of good feedback, all the schools were pretty vocal and I do believe some of the ideas that were shared can be implemented to most school in the North East District.”

Middle and Elementary students will attend similar luncheons in the next couple of weeks.

(Photo courtesy neisd.net)