New Student Voice Program in FSD
For over 100 years, students in Farmington schools have had little to no representation on the Board Of Education. That changed on Sept 8, when Farmington super intendant Dr. Kyle Gibbs released a video to all seminar teachers describing plans for a new group of student representatives for both the superintendent and the Board Of Education (BOE) called The Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC).
“Here's how it works, in every grade from six through twelve. Two students will be chosen to represent their classmates,” said Gibbs. “They'll meet with me throughout the year to share feedback and bring forward ideas from their peers. And for the first time, one senior will even be selected to serve as a student representative to the Board of Education. Bringing student voice directly to district leadership at the highest level.”
Each year, two representatives are chosen from every grade level from Farmington High School, Dayse Baker Learning Center, Farmington Middle School, and Lincoln Intermediate. Students can either apply via google forum or be nominated by staff members.
After applying, students get chosen for good academic and behavioral standing as well as demonstrating leadership qualities. In addition, students also get chosen for their student involvement areas, with an emphasis on keeping a balance between student viewpoints.
Once the representatives are selected, they meet with the superintendent 4 times a year to discuss thoughts, ideas, and plans for the future. Not only this, but one senior will be selected to attend all BOE meetings.
Angela Hahn is the president of the BOE, she said the council will be an important step for understanding students' wants and needs.
“We'll have the opportunity to come face to face with students. That doesn't happen real often. I mean, at graduation, you know, when you're shaking somebody's hand and handing them a diploma. But to actually have some voice, and for students to tell us their wants, their needs, some of their interests. Otherwise, those of us on the board don't always get to know that information unless we hear it from a kid.”
Madelynn Washington is a senior at Farmington High School. On September 23, 2025, Washington was chosen as the student BOE representative, she said SSAC aims to improve student life by listening to student voices.
“We give students the opportunity to communicate directly to the administration about their concerns through student representatives,” said Washington. “It’s important that the overall student body, across all buildings, is aware that student representatives for the SSAC are here for them. We are here to make sure voices are heard and acted upon. With programs like RSVP, where student representatives come into classrooms to ask students about their concerns directly, our students need to be prepared to present their ideas. We love hearing feedback, and our district thrives on healthy communication. Students are the heart and soul of the FSD.
Washington likes to have things thought out, she said it’s important for future applicants to have a plan.
“For me, I focused on utilizing the ‘Raising Student Voices and Participation Program’ (RSVP), to gain student perspectives. Be sure to have a good idea of how you will gather student feedback, it is crucial to hear all student concerns and brainstorm ways and projects to alleviate them,” said Washington. “Be sure to have a few ideas to combat student issues, and know what areas you'd like to improve within the district as well. Always be thinking, be ready, and prepare yourself. It is helpful to keep in mind that you are the face of the student body and it’s important that you value all student voices and represent all of them to the best of your ability.”
The SSAC members for the 2025, 2026 school year have been chosen. Good Job and congratulations to SSAC members, Adalynn Heisel, Scarlett Jenkerson, Eloise Burd, Everett Roberts, Chase Horton, Kinley Baker, Aubrey Bonnell, Cheyanne McKenney, Kailey Beard, Rilee Allen, Zeke Zickuhr, Chris Cooper, Alex Kennon, Scott Fripp, and Madelynn Washington.
