Northern Kentucky high school students join the Commissioner's Student Advisory Council of KDE as part of the 12 new members.

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has announced the members of the 2025-2026 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council. This year, the council comprises 21 members, including 12 new faces and 9 returning members.

The council, which connects Kentucky students with KDE staff, aims to develop ideas to strengthen student voice and transform education. The membership represents students from each of the Kentucky Supreme Court districts, one student from the Kentucky School for the Deaf, and student members enrolled in career and technical education pathways.

Among the new members is Lacey Paige from Christian County High School, Tara Rakesh from Randall K. Cooper High School, and Delanie Crump from Boyd County High School. Returning members include Preston Graham from Woodford County School High School, Gabriella MacAdams from Williamstown Senior High School, and Prisha Shah from Ryle High School, to name a few.

The council's purpose is to gather student feedback on critical issues impacting students and schools. The group meets regularly with Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher, both in person and virtually. The council's meetings provide a platform for students to voice their opinions and ideas, ensuring that the educational system is shaped with student needs in mind.

Nearly 60 students applied for a spot on the council this year, demonstrating a strong interest in shaping the future of education in Kentucky. If eligible, some members have the option to serve again in the fall of 2026, providing continuity and consistency in the council's work.

For more information about the 2025-2026 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council, visit the KDE Commissioner's Student Advisory Council website. The student members of the Kentucky Department of Education Student Advisory Board for the 2024/2025 school year have not been publicly disclosed yet.

The 2025-2026 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council is a testament to the commitment of Kentucky's students to their education and the future of their state. The council's work will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger, more student-focused educational system in Kentucky.