The Fridley Public Schools Board Meeting on May 21, 2025, featured an inspiring presentation from student representatives Ayanna and Deqa, who shared their experiences serving on the school board. Their reflections highlighted the importance of student voices in decision-making processes and the impact of their roles on their personal development.

Ayanna, who served as a student representative during her junior and senior years, expressed her initial uncertainty about the school board's functions. However, she found the experience transformative, allowing her to engage in discussions about school improvements, including ACT preparation. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring that student perspectives continue to be represented on the board, especially as she prepares to graduate and move on to the University of Virginia to study neuroscience.

Deqa echoed Ayanna's sentiments, noting that her involvement on the board has enhanced her leadership skills and provided her with opportunities to connect with other students. She described attending a student school board representative conference, which she found life-changing. Deqa expressed her desire to bring more student voices into future meetings and to implement ideas that would benefit her peers.

The meeting underscored the significance of student engagement in school governance, with both representatives advocating for continued student involvement in shaping policies and initiatives. Their enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for future board members were evident, signaling a positive direction for Fridley Public Schools as they look to enhance student representation in the coming years.