Purpose
The Commissioner's Student Advisory Council advises the Education Commissioner on issues relevant to high school students.
To gain valuable feedback from Kentucky students and to engage student leaders in learning by doing, the commissioner created the Commissioner's Student Advisory Council. This group meets with the commissioner and Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) staff, both in person and virtually, to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students and schools throughout Kentucky.
Council Recommendations and Reports
Students provide feedback on critical issues and work with KDE staff to develop ideas to improve and transform education. Council reports and recommendations have focused on issues related to school safety, mental health and efforts to strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in Kentucky public schools.
Membership
The Commissioner's Student Advisory Council is designed for Kentucky public school students in grades 10-12.
The council is currently chaired by Peter Jefferson from Henry Clay High School (Fayette County). Daniel Ratley from Grayson County High School, serves as vice chair. A list of all members serving on the 2024-2025 Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council is available on the
member webpage.
Membership includes:
- At least two student members from each of the seven Kentucky Board of Education districts
- At-large student members
- One student from the Kentucky School for the Blind
- One student from the Kentucky School for the Deaf
- Student members enrolled in a career and technical education pathway
Service terms are for one academic year (August through May).
Applications for the 2024-2025 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council closed March 1, 2024. The next application is expected to open Spring 2025 and will be posted on the Kentucky Department of Education website.
Meeting Frequency
The council meets every two months during the academic school year. At least two meetings per council year are held in Frankfort.
Awards and Recognition Programs
Office of the Commissioner
Division of Communications
300 Sower Boulevard
(502) 564-2000