Turner County Schools Superintendent Christy Wray has officially established the inaugural 2025 Superintendent Student Advisory Council (SSAC), a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate student voices and enhance the educational experience across the district. The SSAC consists of 16 students from grades 5-12 who will provide valuable perspectives on district initiatives, school processes, and classroom experiences.

To become part of this prestigious council, students completed an extensive application process in November 2024. A selection committee carefully reviewed all applications in December, and the final decisions for the 2024-2025 council members were made in January 2025. These outstanding students were formally introduced to the public at the Ashburn Turner County Chamber of Commerce Gala and Annual Banquet on January 30, 2025.

Purpose of the SSAC

The Superintendent Student Advisory Council serves as a bridge between students and Turner County faculty, staff, and administration. Through this initiative, students have a direct line of communication with Superintendent Christy Wray and district leaders, ensuring their ideas, concerns, and feedback contribute to meaningful improvements in Turner County Schools.

Participating in the SSAC offers a unique leadership opportunity, allowing students to engage in critical discussions, propose solutions, and collaborate with district leaders to enhance their educational environment. As Superintendent Wray emphasized, “We value student input and want to hear their honest perspectives on what’s working well, areas needing improvement, and ways to enhance the learning experiences in our schools. Building relationships with these students is so important, and their insights play a crucial role in guiding the decisions we make to support their success.”

Goals of the SSAC

The SSAC is aligned with the district’s vision—“a school district that inspires excellence”—and its mission—“to educate and empower every student to reach their full potential.” To achieve these objectives, the council focuses on the following key goals:

• Facilitate open communication – Serve as a forum for students to discuss challenges and opportunities for school improvement.

• Provide constructive feedback – Support the evaluation and development of district programs and policies.

• Leverage resources – Identify and utilize community and district resources to enrich the student experience.

• Build leadership skills – Foster leadership, advocacy, and collaboration among council members.

• Empower student voices – Ensure that students play an active role in shaping decisions that impact them.

Service Projects & Community Impact

As part of their commitment to the SSAC, council members will complete a service project during the year. These projects allow students to give back to their schools and community, develop leadership skills, and collaborate on initiatives that make a meaningful impact. Potential projects may include organizing educational workshops, launching school-wide initiatives, or participating in community outreach efforts.

The Turner County Schools Superintendent Student Advisory Council represents an important step forward in fostering student leadership and engagement. Through this initiative, student representatives will help shape the future of education in Turner County, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.