Thomas Besek

Student Advisory Council member

Company Dearborn Public Schools

AllSessions

Day 2

January 25, 2024

3:15 pm

Increase Student Voice with Superintendent/Board of Education Student Advsory Council and A Strategic Plan of Action [Leadership Development]

Nicolet B (Level 5)

Violet Souweidane Thomas Besek Dr. Glenn Maleyko

25 January

Time: 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Location: Nicolet B (Level 5)

Speaker: Violet Souweidane Thomas Besek Dr. Glenn Maleyko

The session focuses on enhancing engagement between the Superintendent, Board of Education, and students through initiatives like the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, social media presence, school visits, and community visibility. Dearborn Public Schools – the 3rd largest district in Michigan, with 20,000 students – has seen a positive impact from the Advisory Council, fostering student voices and personal interactions. The "Students First Model" has resulted in increased morale, notable accolades, and achievements, including a 95% graduation rate, five National Blue Ribbon Schools, all Dearborn high schools recognized as Academic State Champs, and recognition as a top district for college admissions – sending 86% of students to college within one year of graduation, 20% above the state average.