Superintendent Linda N. Reid invested an hour-long lunchtime conversation with Brush High School seniors, to get to know a little bit more about each of them respectively, and also to ask very direct questions about their experience in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools. Doing so is part of Mrs. Reid’s attempt to meet one –on—one with students at every level of education in our school district, on a regular basis.
Convened in the high school library, Mrs. Reid began the conversation by introducing herself and sharing a bit about her own background. From there, students took turns introducing themselves and sharing an important fact or two about their student life at Brush. A strong and diverse mix of students participated in the conversation which primarily relied on feedback on a number of questions. Generally speaking, Mrs. Reid asked students to rate their experience as a whole at the South Euclid Lyndhurst Schools, and also to propose ideas about how the district could improve. Enhancing electives and continuing to build student body pride surfaced as opportunities for the future.
Brush High School Senior Kevin Eisler stated that “this was a great opportunity to get to know the new leader of our school district,” and he continued by saying that “he appreciates the fresh and positive outlook on the future of our district that Mrs. Reid communicated.” Kevin is a student athlete at Brush High School and intends to continue his soccer-playing career in college while studying marketing.
“We felt like we were heard today,” said Teryn Moorefield, also a senior. “I’m glad that Mrs. Reid wanted to hear our point-of-view as students.” Teryn is a senior who is passionate about helping others, and who plans to become a nurse one day.
All in all, the lunch conversation with Brush High School seniors was brief, but it was significant. Mrs. Reid plans to follow up on the points that were presented by the seniors, and continue to meet with other students throughout the district. These questions are primarily being used as part of a greater strategic planning effort that the district has recently launched, where feedback and input from stakeholders in the process is very important. Meeting with students, and taking note of their respective suggestions and input is an important component in this process. Stay tuned for more updates on student engagement as part of the strategic planning process.