Written by: Flora Wade
As school systems continue to pursue academic and emotional development, a student liaison position has become increasingly essential. This role will bridge gaps between students and authoritative figures in school districts, advocating for a better learning and communicative environment.
“The student liaison serves as a bridge between students, staff, administration and the school board, helping us make informed decisions that truly reflect the needs and perspectives of our student body,” Salem Community Schools Superintendent Jill Mires said.
To accomplish this, the liaison will: regularly attend school board meetings to provide student input, gather feedback from peers, work closely with administration to gather information and address student concerns and help communicate important school initiatives.
It is important for the school district to stay active in the way it communicates. When the school board has difficulty being in the schools, an advocate for students and staff becomes a vital figure. Student liaisons also serve as a more comfortable and inclusive communication source for students who want their voices to be heard, but want a person to speak through.
SCS is continuing to close this gap of miscommunication by choosing a senior from Salem High School to speak on the behalf of Salem students from all ages. Raelee Cockerill has been selected as the first student liaison.
Mires intends for liaisons to:
Present student perspectives at board meetings, ensuring that student issues are discussed at a leadership level
Facilitate communication between students and administration by relaying feedback, concerns, and ideas
Work on school improvement initiatives, such as student wellness, engagement and projects
Serve as a peer resource, making it easier for students to share feedback in a comfortable and accessible way
Cockerill was asked by Matt Adkins, her speech teacher at SHS, to take on this role.
“I think Raelee would be a great fit for this position because she is organized and she is open-minded,” Adkins said. “She is willing to learn about new ideas and concepts, which is part of what this job entails since she will be covering information for each building in our district. Raelee is a great public speaker and she will be a very positive influence for the students and staff to rely on in order to get information out to the school board, our superintendent and our community.”
Not only is Cockerill involved in elective classes like speech, but many clubs as well. She is the president of Tri-Hi-Y and is a member of the French, art, booster, SAAD, Disney, and science clubs. She is also involved in the girls varsity tennis and soccer teams.
Her involvement in these extracurricular activities is a way to connect with other students and understand their needs for a better school environment.
“School can be so hard for students, but for some it can be a safe place,” Cockerill said.
“I want to bring attention to the kids that are scared to speak up or give their opinions.”
Having a student from a younger generation talk to adults in higher positions allows for even grounds of understanding. Both the adults and the liaison can form conclusions to problems seen in the school district.
Cockerill meets with the principals from the elementary, middle and high schools to discuss topics and needs to be met.
“I’ve mainly done this with Mr. Dean since I'm here at the high school,” Cockerill said.
“I have talked to him about announcements so kids can know when activities are being held. I've talked about getting kids involved for spirit week or for clubs…we can all link together.”
SHS Principal Luke Dean plans to continue having a student liaison in the upcoming years.
“We will follow a similar format next year; any student that is interested will be able to apply,” he said.
Students who take on this role will be better prepared for their future careers and interactions outside of high school walls. Liaisons will gain better networking skills that will prepare them for future collaboration and communication in their workplaces. This will not only make the student more desirable for leadership endeavors, but benefit the community and people around them.