The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a diverse group of high school students who advise state education leaders on topics that affect public school students. The SSAC is composed of 11th- and 12th-grade students from all eight of the state’s educational regions. Students typically serve two years on the Council until the end of their senior year.
Their monthly meetings with the state superintendent and NCDPI staff members give them an opportunity to share the student perspective on a variety of issues, from school cell phone policies to higher education access.
Learn about the 2025-26 SSAC members below.
Spencer Bluth
Senior at Research Triangle High School (Charter School)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“World-class teachers.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“Expanding access to charter and technical schools in rural North Carolina. Too often, students in these areas have limited options beyond their local public school, which can restrict opportunities for hands-on learning, career preparation and innovative teaching approaches. Charter and technical schools can fill this gap by offering specialized programs that connect education with real-world skills and local workforce needs. Through my work on the SSAC, I’ve seen how thoughtful expansion of these schools can strengthen communities.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“The department’s focus on innovation, career readiness and expanding educational options for students across the state. I’m particularly encouraged by the emphasis on strengthening pathways that connect classroom learning to real-world skills. For rural communities, these efforts represent a powerful opportunity to bridge the gap between education and local economic development.”
Elliott Carter
Senior at Charles B. Aycock High School (Wayne County Public Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“North Carolina public schools empower students to reach their full potential!”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“College and career readiness. Every year many students graduate from our school system without fully understanding their post-graduate options or how to better prepare for them. Schools should provide more opportunities for possible career exploration, internships and guidance on navigating topics such as financial aid and college applications.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“I love that the plan ensures not only academic success and the resources needed for it, but also mental health support and the resources needed for students' well being, character development and real-world learning opportunities like dual enrollment. It truly does show that North Carolina is committed to helping each and every student grow as an individual, become the best version of themselves and not just be defined as a test score.
Juniper Cumming
Senior at Warren Early College High School (Warren County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“Our immersive Spanish program for elementary students.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“I am incredibly invested in place-based education for public school students of all ages. I believe that forging a connection between students and their physical community is essential in developing senses of pride, opportunity and innovation. My work on the SSAC can influence educational policy-makers, administrators and educators to consider the impact that place-based education could have on their students. I can also use my position on the SSAC to provide examples of place-based curricula and lesson plans, which can make the implementation of place-based education more accessible to school districts with varying resources across the state.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“The pillar of enhanced parent, caregiver and community support. Through my education in multiple school districts, I have come to appreciate the substantive positive impact that parents and communities can have on public schools. It's essential for individual students to receive academic attention both at home, from parents, and at school, from administrators and teachers.”
Madison Dempster
Senior at Pine Forest High School (Cumberland County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“North Carolina Public Schools provide opportunities for all students to excel.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“I am most concerned with the alarming increase in school violence. Experiencing the impact of violence in schools in my area has prompted my desire to advocate for students in my community. Challenges vary from physical and verbal altercations to peer disrespect which prompts an unsafe environment for students and faculty. During meetings with Superintendent Green, his administration and members of the NC Department of Public Instruction, we are able to collaborate as a Council to create and implement solutions to key issues.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“I look forward to learning more about how the council can work to promote and ensure healthy and safe learning environments in North Carolina Public Schools. As a current high school senior, I feel there are numerous areas of opportunities to make students feel safe in schools, and foster an environment that is conducive to learning. Optimizing physical school safety would also support NCDPI’s goal to increase graduation rates, and would raise the enrollment percentage in North Carolina public schools by allowing families of students to feel comfortable and protected in a school setting.”
Benjamin Dombroski
Junior at Rowan County Early College (Rowan-Salisbury School System)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“Our alternative learning opportunities, whether Early College or our diverse academic pathways, there is truly something for everyone.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“The way we measure student success across the state is one of the most important topics to me, and it is a subject I am deeply passionate about. I firmly believe that North Carolina is home to some of the best opportunities and students in the nation. However, I also recognize that we need a more comprehensive, honest and accurate way to display and interpret student success. This involves moving beyond traditional metrics and developing innovative tools that can better gauge a student’s understanding and comprehension of various topics.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“The focus on redesigning our school accountability model. I am thrilled about the opportunity to move beyond traditional metrics and develop innovative tools that truly gauge a student’s understanding. This approach will enable us to provide targeted support to struggling students and celebrate our outstanding achievers, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive. As a student representative, I am eager to contribute my insights to this process and help shape the future of education in North Carolina.”
Isabella Geier
Senior at Enka High School (Buncombe County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“Many choices that bring various opportunities.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“Opportunities for success – like dual enrollment, honors, AP and the new NC College Connect – within public education that are available and accessible for all students, and furthermore that those opportunities students have are supported with resources needed to prosper. SSAC allows me to share opportunities that I have had that were successful, while also bringing to light how in some instances opportunities were unsuccessful because of a way they were implemented through policy within the school.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“The spotlight it is granting real students and schools. The strategic plan is not just about improving test scores and overall grades, but rather it is about sharing the successes of schools and its students across various subjects. Its wording is important to not exclude any aspect of a students day when talking about success, whether it be within class, in athletics or arts programs. I also appreciate how the strategic plan aims to increase teacher recruitment and retention across the state. By uplifting the voices of students and aiding in teachers’ jobs, the strategic plan creates better schools.”
Jada Harrison
Senior at South Central High School (Pitt County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“North Carolina public schools focus on preparing students for real-world success.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“Giving all students equal chances to access quality educational resources, regardless of background or zip code. Many students have the talent and ability, but because of barriers that are outside of their control, it will hold them back from achieving their goals and also affect their self-confidence and motivation – especially when those barriers exist for students who represent diverse and/or lower socio-economic groups. As part of the SSAC, I would like to be an advocate for ideas that eliminate this academic opportunity gap, which include, but are not limited to making dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement available to more students, providing more financial support to organizations that provide tutoring and college readiness services and ensuring that each school receives the same level of support.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“What is appealing to me about this strategic plan is that it is not focused solely on increasing the number of students who pass tests, but is instead focused on providing students with opportunities to be successful regardless of whether they attend college, pursue a trade or some other career path. The expansion of access to advanced courses, development of strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and support of educators demonstrate an intent to create a comprehensive system that values the future of all students. Additionally, I find the method in which the plan was developed through input from students, educators and local communities throughout North Carolina to be inspiring as it appears to represent a shared vision rather than a top-down policy.”
Victoria Higdon
Senior at Tri-County Early College High School (Cherokee County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“North Carolina public schools stand out for their dedication to student growth, opportunity and innovation.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“The most important topic to me is teacher pay. Teachers are the root of education; they shape every profession, from plumbers to presidents. Not supporting teachers is also not supporting students. It is no coincidence that states with higher teacher pay often have stronger educational outcomes. One of the strategic plan’s goals for North Carolina is to lead the Southeast in education, and a sound education system stems from those who are its foundation. We need to provide the support they deserve.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“What excites me the most about NCDPI’s strategic plan is how it recognizes not only the students but also the teachers, families and communities that support them. The plan acknowledges education is not one-dimensional, and it's not easy to plan. I'm particularly excited about increased competitive pay for educators and enhanced support for parents, caregivers and the broader community. Altogether, this plan feels like a road to make North Carolina a stronger and more connected education system. As a member of SSAC, I’m excited to bring student voice to these decisions and discussions and ensure that these plans truly translate to positive change in our classrooms.”
Yu-Hsiang Hung
Senior at Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“They're empowered by some of the nation's most dedicated, nearly 25,000 National Board Certified Teachers.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“I am a firm believer that student success depends equally on their support systems as it does on classroom education. The current lack of comprehensive support to promote student well-being in and outside of school is one of the biggest challenges public education faces. Mental health issues and chronic absenteeism continue to disproportionately impact minority students and need to be effectively dealt with in order to improve student well-being. To address mental health problems, schools must increase resource access by hiring more social service staff, as well as provide training for teachers to allow them to better identify and respond to behavioral cues. For issues like chronic absenteeism, data-driven intervention – such as individual attendance interventions – should be used to address root causes.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“What excites me most about the NCDPI’s Achieving Educational Excellence plan is Pillar 7, Celebrate the Excellence in Public Education, which focuses on telling the real stories behind our school systems. Public education is a collection of people, memories and shared experiences that have shaped and will continue to shape North Carolina’s communities. I love that this pillar commits to uplifting success stories, connecting families and educators, and reminding everyone of the impact our schools have every day.”
Dalton Hunt
Senior at Hayesville High School (Clay County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“They turn ordinary days into opportunities for discovery, collaboration and learning the skills that prepare students for the future.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“The education issue that matters most to me is ensuring that students from rural and underrepresented communities have a voice in shaping North Carolina’s public schools. I live in Clay County, in the far western corner of the state, where schools are small, resources are limited and opportunities that are common elsewhere can feel out of reach. Despite these challenges, our schools are full of passionate teachers, resilient students, and a strong sense of community — but our experiences are often invisible in statewide discussions. Through my work on the SSAC, I want to make sure that students like me are seen and heard. I hope to advocate for equitable access to advanced coursework, technology, mental health resources and leadership opportunities, highlighting the unique strengths and challenges of rural education.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“It recognizes that education is more than test scores — it is about preparing students for life, building character and creating schools where every individual can thrive. The plan’s goals are ambitious, but what makes it truly inspiring is the thoughtfulness behind them: investing in educators, expanding opportunities for students and fostering communities where families, teachers and students work together to lift each other up.”
Anaston Lassiter
Senior at Hertford County Early College High School (Hertford County Public Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“They value student voice and encourage leadership at every level.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“The lack of equal access to high quality resources, especially in rural areas like mine. Growing up in a rural community, I have seen how much students’ opportunities depend on what their school can afford to provide. Many schools do not have advanced classes, updated materials or enough academic and emotional support. This also affects teachers. We expect teachers to give their best to students, yet they are often underpaid and asked to work with very limited resources. It is difficult for teachers to create strong outcomes when they do not receive the support they need.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“Its commitment to creating a more equitable and student-centered public education system. I am especially encouraged by the focus on strengthening whole-child support, improving teacher recruitment and retention, and expanding opportunities for students in every part of the state, including rural communities like mine. The plan recognizes that academic success is connected not only to rigorous instruction but also to mental health, access to resources and strong relationships with educators. I am also inspired by the emphasis on collaboration between students, teachers, families and community partners. As a member of the SSAC, this excites me because it shows that student voices are valued in shaping the future of education.”
Karmen Sonia Maldonado
Senior at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy (Wake County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“Their constant drive to keep kids in school until college.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“Standardized testing is a majorly important issue to me. I believe that it is not a good representation of students' academic skills. Oftentimes, colleges and programs will go off of test scores and grades, and that will take away opportunities from plenty of intelligent children who are simply bad test takers. I know through personal experience that I am a bad test taker, and that does not mean that I am a bad student. Through SSAC, I can attempt to work with the other members of the council, many of which I’ve heard are passionate about this topic as well, to create a policy proposal to find an alternative to standardized testing. I believe that a more holistic view of students through achievement in class, not just in a testing room, and outside of class, should prove the students skill.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“I’d say what excites me the most is Pillar 8: Galvanize Champions to Fully Invest in and Support Public Education. I’ve heard many of my peers from other counties talk about their struggles monetarily in their schools, and I’ve even seen some in my school, though not nearly as bad as some of the stories I’ve heard. I don’t know if this pillar would fully support the schools everywhere, but seeing that the State Board of Education is going to put more force into encouraging its community and partners into funding and investing in its schools and department is exciting.”
Connor Mawhiney
Senior at Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (Charter School)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“We are constantly reforming, reinventing and pushing our schools to meet a standard of opportunities and quality education for every student.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“The most important topic to me in education is preparing students for the workforce. Having models and competencies to tie into the curriculum and demonstrate students' true abilities to employers and colleges after high school is extremely important to me and something I have helped to implement in my high school. It allows employers and colleges to see the full picture of someone rather than just grades or numbers. Through my work on the SSAC, I have been able to advocate for my beliefs in this advancement for education, and hopefully use some of my new resources to take initiative and make real change happen.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“What excites me the most about the new strategic plan is the defined pillars that demonstrate a clear standard of where we as a state want to be and follow through to in the upcoming years. It prepares students for the future with advancement in programs like dual enrollment and strengthens communities, which I believe will lead to opportunities for internships to advance real-world preparedness.”
Bailey Nilo
Junior at Alleghany High School (Alleghany County Schools)
In one sentence or phrase, what is excellent about NC public schools?
“The out-of-the-box thinking and initiatives of North Carolina public schools is great.”
What topic related to education is most important to you and why?
“I believe closing achievement gaps between students is important in order to give high-quality education and allow public education to open doors to life-changing opportunities for students from all backgrounds. Coming from a small, underrepresented and under-resourced community, I see firsthand how unequal access can limit success. Through this platform, I hope to advocate for and represent those who are often unheard in large-scale conversations.”
What excites you most about NCDPI's recently released strategic plan?
“Pillar 1 of NCDPI's strategic plan is particularly exciting because it recognizes that every student deserves to leave high school prepared, not just academically, but also with career-ready social and professional skills. Recognizing and supporting that a traditional college path may not be most efficient for some students, whether that means direct entry into the workforce, earning a professional certificate or progressing in a college degree at a faster pace, allows for the plan to set a new standard of achievement. The goals of Pillar 1 are positive indicators of our education system being on track to prepare students for what comes next, rather than creating an education where personal growth, academically and beyond, ends after high school.”