EDWARDSVILLE - District #7 Board of Education Student Representatives senior Josie Proctor and junior Claire Johnson recently attended the Illinois Association of School Boards Joint Annual Conference, where they joined student board members from across the state to share ideas, learn from peers, and reflect on how student voice shapes school communities.
Both Josie and Claire participated in the Student Representative session, which offered a deeper look into how Boards of Education operate. Josie said the experience strengthened her understanding of board responsibilities and how her role fits into that work.
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“Learning about these responsibilities helped me better understand what the Board of Education does,” she said. “This understanding helps me better understand my role as well, and how I can play my part in these responsibilities and tasks.”
Claire walked away with similar insights, noting that the conference underscored “how important communication is in leadership and how important it is to make a good first impression.”
Representing District #7 on a statewide stage was a point of pride for both students. Josie said she felt “honored to shine a light on our amazing program,” especially since many districts do not offer student representation on their Boards of Education. Claire added that meeting students and leaders from across Illinois helped her learn how other districts operate and gather ideas to move the district forward as student representatives.
Both students pointed to the breakout and discussion groups as their favorite moments. Josie loved meeting new people and hearing their stories, while Claire said she learned valuable strategies for ensuring all voices are heard.
Their experiences have sparked ideas for the future of student involvement. Claire expressed interest in exploring ways to incorporate younger students into district representation, such as through a junior board. Josie reflected on how District #7 is already seen as a leader due to its Student Representative Program and said the conference reinforced the district’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Together, Josie and Claire’s participation showcased not only their commitment but also District #7’s dedication to elevating student voice, fostering leadership, and empowering each student to achieve personal success.
