Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC)

Through the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC), high school students from across the district regularly meet with the Superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to share genuine insights into school culture, policies, and priorities.

Investing in Our Future

The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) comprises student representatives from each high school in the district. The council's goal is to create meaningful dialogue between students and the Superintendent, providing a platform for them to share their views and perspectives. Members of the SSAC are tasked with advocating for all students.
 

About the SSAC

Students in grades 10–12 are eligible to become members and must be willing to serve on their school's leadership council. Those participating in the SSAC will facilitate communication between their school and the district.

Purpose

The SSAC aims to gather feedback from the Superintendent and senior staff members on how the District can enhance students' experiences in our schools. It also serves as a platform for two-way communication between the Superintendent and the students.

Members' Role

We define our role as members to include:

• Communicate honestly, openly, and directly with the Superintendent and other administrators

• Encourage student engagement throughout their school
• Ensure a quality education for every student
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, non-threatening school culture
• Work collaboratively to help create a student culture of mutual respect
• Provide feedback for improving the high school experience for all students

Structure and Alignment

The SSAC consists of students from each MPS high school. It is led by elected officers nominated and selected by the membership. Students are selected to achieve academic, socio-economic, and cultural diversity among members. The alumni and student engagement associate will serve as the SSAC advisor.

Five Guiding Anchors of the SSAC

1. Engaging in meaningful dialogue by sharing students' views and perspectives with school leaders, administration, and the school board

2. Creating an atmosphere where students are valued for honest and focused feedback

3. Empowering our youth with the tools, knowledge, and experience needed to be successful leaders
4. Providing students with a sense of trust and belonging by changing the culture of their respective schools
5. Sharing ideas to promote equity among all high schools in the district

Superintendent's Luncheons and Honor Cords

The Superintendent meets with students at their schools to have an informal conversation about how to improve the culture and climate. SSAC members host the event, selecting 10–12 of their peers to join them. This small group format allows the Superintendent to learn more about the needs of each school. The process also allows students to organize, manage, and demonstrate leadership skills. During these luncheons, the Superintendent ensures that all schools are working with their Student Council representatives to give students a voice at their school, providing clear and direct communication from the student council to the SSAC, the Superintendent, and the MPS School Board.

Honor cords are given to graduating students who have shown unwavering commitment to serving as ambassadors for MPS. These graduates represent student voices for their schools and act as a bridge between their schools and the superintendent.

More Information

If you're interested in becoming a member, please fill out the Interest Form to sign up. If you have any questions, please contact SSAC@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or (414) 475-8285.