Student Voices Join the School Board

In a move to include student perspectives, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 welcomed two new student members to its Board of Education. Franki Jacobo, a sophomore, and Trajhor Allen, a senior, were sworn in during a recent meeting. Their inclusion marks a significant step towards giving students a say in decisions that affect their education. The surprise came quickly when board President Michael Rodriguez asked for their input during a discussion on grading policies. Allen and Jacobo were taken aback but rose to the occasion. They shared their thoughts on behavior in grading and the importance of consistent policies. Jacobo mentioned how engagement and academic ability can impact grades, while Allen agreed with increasing graduation requirements from 17 to 23 credits. Both students are determined to be well-prepared for future meetings. They plan to study agenda items thoroughly and take notes to contribute effectively. Allen sees this as a learning opportunity to represent her peers, while Jacobo views it as a chance to serve his community. They both aim to gather input from students across all grade levels, ensuring their voices are heard. Jacobo and Allen are not just students; they are actively involved in various school and community activities. Jacobo is part of the JOTC, the chess team, and volunteers in religious education. Allen is in the National Honor Society, dances, works part-time, and volunteers for the Waukegan Park District. Their diverse experiences bring a unique perspective to the board. The selection process for student members involves voting by peers, with the board choosing from the top two vote-getters. This ensures that the student representatives truly reflect the student body's interests. As non-voting members, Jacobo and Allen will bring fresh ideas and advocate for policies that benefit all students in the district.