Atlanta Public Schools SAC Delegate Demonstrates Exceptional Leadership in ABOE Committee Meeting

Article Submitted by: Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Program Director of Student Engagement & Co-Advisor of the Student Advisory Council (SAC)

At the Atlanta Board of Education’s December Policy Review Committee meeting, Student Advisory Council (SAC) delegate Brooke Smith, a senior at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate, distinguished herself as a thoughtful, engaged, and analytically sharp contributor to the district’s policy-making process. The committee meeting convened members from the Atlanta Board of Education (ABOE), district leaders, and stakeholders to review and advance revisions to several key APS policies that directly influence instructional practices, student experience, and governance operations. Brooke’s participation demonstrated the meaningful impact students can have when they are invited into decision-making spaces as full partners.

The policy of having student representation on the ABOE was initially introduced by Board Member Alfred “Shivy” Brooks, in support of previous recommendations presented to the Board and district officials in previous years. Policy Regulation BBR-R(7), co-authored by Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton and Keith Glass, program director of Community Affairs and SAC co-advisor, was designed to elevate student voice in an authentic way. This policy addition allows for broader governance improvement efforts, directly affecting students’ trust in district decision-making. 

During the review of Policy JB: Student Attendance, Brooke provided insight into how attendance expectations and intervention strategies are perceived and experienced by students. She highlighted the importance of parent/guardian and student communication support systems to aid in moving the needle with improving daily attendance.

As the committee turned to Policy DJEA (Purchasing Authority) and Policy DJEAC (Purchasing or Credit Card Use), Brooke listened attentively and courageously asked for clarification on terms and practices that she wasn’t familiar with, assisting her with developing follow-up questions, reinforcing the necessity of transparent and responsible fiscal practices.

“At first, I was a little bit nervous about attending the meeting because I wasn’t sure if the language that would be used would be something that I could understand because it was my first time, but everything came naturally, and I was able to quickly understand what was going on and even give some meaningful insight,” Brooke said. “I was super grateful to be able to attend, and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Brooke’s contributions were especially strong during the discussion of Policy JCDAF: Use of Electronic Devices by Students. She articulated how students navigate technology expectations in real time—balancing instructional needs, communication processes, and evolving norms around digital access. Her input helped illuminate the practical implications of device-use guidelines and underscored areas where clarity in policy language could improve implementation across schools.

The committee also conducted first readings for Policy JCDAG (Bullying), Policy IFBG (Internet Acceptable Use), and Policy BBBC (Board Member Development Opportunities). In each conversation, Brooke’s presence allowed committee members to be grounded in the student lens, particularly in discussions connected to online safety, digital citizenship, and the lived realities of bullying prevention efforts.

Beyond her substantive insights, Brooke demonstrated exceptional attention to detail. From offering nuanced student perspectives to identifying grammatical inconsistencies within specific policies, she modeled the professionalism, preparedness, and intellectual curiosity that define strong student governance. Her ability to move seamlessly between high-level analysis and careful textual review made her a standout addition to the Policy Review Committee.

Brooke’s engagement reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to authentic student voice—shifting students from symbolic participants to informed decision-making partners. Her presence strengthened the committee’s deliberations and exemplified the transformative potential of student representation in shaping policy that is equitable, actionable, and grounded in real student experience.

As APS moves forward with final approvals and future readings, Brooke’s leadership continues to demonstrate why students must have a seat and a voice at the table.

Click here to watch Brooke’s reflection on her experience.