Graduates Share Experiences as Members of Superintendent's Cadre

The Superintendent's Cadre serves a lot of purposes: It provides Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby with an inside look at the issues and concerns of high school students; it gives students a chance to express themselves, share ideas and bring about real change in their school community; it fosters an environment of true collaboration and joint problem-solving; and it is a powerful example of what strong leadership really is.

The Cadre is a group of students across all four grade levels who meet once a month with the Superintendent to have open, honest conversations about what's working in the high school building and what changes they believe should be made. This kind of unfettered access to district administration is highly unusual for most high school students but has been a cornerstone of Superintendent Kirby's tenure in the district. And it's been a cornerstone of the high school experience for Chelsea Gipson. E'Niya Lockhart, and Jayla Scruggs, all recent graduates who have served on the Superintendent's Cadre since 9th grade.

Just the act of being heard is empowering for students. "I think it's amazing to be able to put my own voice forward," said Chelsea, who's planning to study pharmaceutical science at Ohio State University next year. "[Superintendent Kirby] really takes our ideas into consideration. She has shown us how collaboration and true leadership work."

Jayla agrees. "It's important to be listened to. Not every adult takes student perspectives into account." The experience has helped prepare her for her future, which includes attended Howard University in the fall and studying computer information systems. "I was definitely more quiet as a freshman, but going through four years on Cadre helped me find my voice."

E'Niya feels similarly, crediting Cadre for "bringing me out of my comfort zone." When she was selected to provide the quarterly update on Heights High to the School Board at an official meeting, she "was so nervous. But learning how to speak in public to adults like that has been so helpful." She'll surely carry that confidence with her when she enrolls at Bowling Green State University next year, where she plans to study human development and family science.

During the past four years of high school, the Cadre has dealt with a wide range of issues. Student mental health always ranks high on the list of items discussed at monthly meetings, as well as policies around school safety and building procedures. One key focus last year was how to streamline student arrival at entry points with new metal detectors. While many students supported the installation, they were nonetheless frustrated by the bottlenecks caused each morning.

This year, of course, the Yondr pouches were a hot topic. Yondr pouches are patented, individual magnetically-locking bags where students store their cell phones each day upon entering the building. New to the district this past fall in accordance with the Governor's ban on cell phone use in schools, there was definitely an adjustment period for students who have been used to constant connectivity throughout the day.

"We talked about Yondr bags a lot," said Chelsea. "She really wanted to know how we felt about them," she said of the superintendent. All three girls believe that the process will get easier as time goes on and students become more used to the idea of not having access to their phones all day, but that the first year was definitely the hardest.

"We're a good community," said Jayla. "We've had our issues but are able to overcome them as a school and as a school system." She is especially excited to have helped introduce leadership roles into the Cadre. Next year, there will be subcommittees focusing on different areas of work, such as school climate, which will give more students the opportunity to get involved.

Bringing in more voices and more perspectives is always a plus. So far, the three and other Cadre members have acted as conduits from their peers to the district leadership. "Whenever my friends complain," said E'Niya, "I tell them I'll bring it to the Superintendent."

Being a part of the Cadre is just one of many ways that Chelsea, E'Niya and Jayla have been engaged at Heights High. They are all student-athletes, on the volleyball, tennis and wrestling teams; they maintain strong grades as Honors and AP students; they have been active members of student council, AVID, and Image Makers; and the list goes on. They know that when they head off into new environments next year, it will take some time before they feel as comfortable and supported as they have been at Heights.

"I will miss the familiarity," said E'Niya, "and being part of such a tight knit community."

Jayla agrees, citing the ever-present support system. "I've built good relationships with teachers, coaches, and staff, who are all so supportive."

But that support and those very lessons position them well for their futures. "Superintendent Kirby has been such a good role model for us," said Chelsea. "I just appreciate Cleveland Heights for having such a foundational impact on my life."

For Superintendent Kirby, the feeling is mutual. "Looking at these three young women as they are about to launch into adulthood makes me feel so hopeful about the state of the world."