SC schools chief Spearman forms student advisory panel

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman wants input from students on what it is like to attend S.C. schools.

The Republican who took office in January has formed a student advisory panel made up of college, high- and middle-school students across the state, including from a private school.

“Sometimes when we discuss important education issues, we forget to listen to those who are impacted the most by the decisions we make,” Spearman said in a news release.

“That is why ... the first advisory group I wanted to form was focused on students. These individuals represent their peers across our state and will provide essential feedback directly to me on policies that affect their schools, families and communities.”

Spearman also announced an advisory committee made up of principals from around the state this month.

Spearman said she plans to meet with the student-advisory panel at least twice this school year to hear their input.

The following students are on the council:

Sabrina Cuadra, A.C. Flora High (Columbia)

Trevon Andrews, Manning High

Alex Aull, Saluda High

Cole Boozer, Newberry Middle

Rachel Bradley, Ben Lippen (Columbia)

Melissa Byars, River Bluff High (Lexington)

Cole Davis, Ben Lippen

Maxwell Fleming, Wren High (Piedmont)

Malcolm Gamble, C.E. Murray Middle (Greeleyville)

Graylen Grant, River Bluff High

Jake Holmgreen, Lexington High

Allison Kopanski, Battery Creek High (Beaufort)

Missy McClintock, Carolina High and Academy (Greenville)

James McManus, The Citadel (Charleston)

Chinyere Nwankudu, Wilson High (Florence)

Madison Price, Saluda High

Preston Southern, Airport High (West Columbia)

Katherine Touchberry, Berkeley High (Moncks Corner)

Ryan VanWyk, Goose Creek High

Sean Woodard, Rock Hill High

Jessica Wright, Academic Magnet High (North Charleston)

This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 5:17 PM.