The superintendent gets more flak than she deserves for not including student input in her decision-making, as one initiative of hers in particular has been exemplary in this regard. Unfortunately, not many students know that Dr. Hamlett’s Student Equity Ambassador Program (SEA) even exists, let alone what goes on in the program.
If you asked most students of East whether or not they believe Dr. Hamlett has done a good job at considering student perspectives, you’d most likely receive the typical mishmash of uninspired answers like “probably” or “I don’t know.” Although most students are indifferent, I have heard many express dissatisfaction, leading to the misconception that district leadership does not value student input. I’m here to tell you that isn’t true; Dr. Hamlett (at least with the SEA program) has actually been doing an A1 job.
Every six to eight weeks, the Student Equity Ambassadors meet at the Chapel Hill Sheraton Hotel with Dr. Hamlett and other district equity leadership. The program was established by Hamlett in early 2022, and initially, applications were open to all CHCCS students in grades eight to 11. From the applicants, two to three students from each grade level at each school were selected by the superintendent’s office, and I was lucky enough to be included in the initial group of around 50 students. In the second year, the group decreased to around 40 as middle school students were no longer included.
Our meetings began shortly after selection, and it was quickly made clear that the SEA program was created for one reason: to consider the perspective of students. Discussions revolve around relevant issues within the district and potential solutions. Topics discussed in the past include the removal of class rank, restructuring of PAC, merits of restorative circles, weighting of classes and increasing minority enrollment in AP and Honors level classes.
While the SEA program includes basic group activities, it also provides a direct way for students to dialogue with district leadership and express concerns. When she’s not up presenting, Dr. Hamlett is always open to talk. Last meeting, she sat at my table and ate lunch with us, allowing some of the other East representatives to openly discuss our ideas with her.
Each meeting, Dr. Hamlett usually gives some form of a roadmap containing her upcoming plans and proposals, often providing students of the program with information that they would otherwise not see. From there, we discuss what we’ve been given, providing further opportunity for input. There’s always one or two adults taking notes throughout each meeting, and Dr. Hamlett has often proposed the group’s specific policy requests to the school board and other administration, giving updates on a meeting-to-meeting basis of how they are received.
The program offers additional benefits, such as opportunities for interviews and guest speakers. For instance, last year, WRAL asked to interview SEA students for a documentary about mental health, and a handful (including myself) were included in the final product. Additionally, breakfast and lunch are provided at each meeting (my favorite part), contributing to a positive experience despite the meetings lasting for up to four hours.
Overall, the SEA program demonstrates that district leadership values student input, and members are encouraged to continue diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) discussions in their day-to-day activities to promote positive change. Principal Casey recently created his own ‘Student Cabinet”, mirroring the SEA program’s focus on student input.
Dr. Hamlett has mentioned the group in a handful of her community updates, most notably her January email.
“Many of us at the Board of Education meeting were enlightened, inspired, and fully engaged by the student-led, Equity and Empathy Ambassadors’ presentation on Class Rank in our high schools,” wrote Hamlett. “I am here to tell you that student voice matters!!!”
Image courtesy of CHCCS
