Student Voice Takes Center Stage in Superintendent Shrum’s Student Advisory Kickoff

A new tradition continues to grow at Visalia Unified School District (VUSD) under the leadership of Superintendent Shrum. Today, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory convened for its first meeting of the year, bringing together nearly 150 students representing all 42 VUSD schools to share their thoughts, experiences, and feedback directly with district leadership.

The Student Advisory, an initiative launched during Superintendent Shrum’s first year, has now expanded to its largest form yet. Students were welcomed with cheers and music from Redwood High School’s spirited teams before learning about the school’s programs and opportunities.

Following the welcome, students met in smaller groups organized by feeder patterns to share insights about school recognition and culture. They later participated in breakout sessions tailored to elementary, middle, and high school levels, where they discussed important topics such as mental health, student engagement, and the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

“It’s cool, because it’s a different environment,” said Princeton Butler, a 6th grader at Riverway Elementary. “I’m in elementary school and used to kids my age, but having other kids and different opinions shows me what I can do in the future, and how I can grow up and what this environment can look like for me.”

“Student voice isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we act on,” said Superintendent Shrum. “These conversations help us

understand what our students are experiencing, what’s working, and where we can improve. Their feedback helps shape our decisions and keeps us focused on creating schools where every student feels connected, supported, and seen.”

The Student Advisory will meet three more times throughout the school year, each session hosted at a different VUSD high school. This structure not only allows students to share their perspectives but also gives them the opportunity to experience the diverse programs and cultures across the district’s high schools.

With student voice as part of Visalia Unified’s strategic plan, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory continues to ensure that students are at the heart of the district’s decisions – today and into the future.