The February meeting of the Broward County Association of Student Councils was held on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Stranahan High School. Although a regular monthly meeting, this was not an ordinary meeting.

Towards the beginning of the meeting, James F. Notter, Superintendent of Schools, addressed the students present. Mr. Notter explained that Broward is the only major school district with student representatives to the School Board who can provide input. Mr. Notter spoke of the budget crisis, “In a budget crisis you go to the outer rings: the electives.” Notter stated that it is more realistic to say stop the cuts then ask for more funding this legislative session. He expects at least two more years like this. Public education is a state responsibility according to the Florida Constitution. Mr. Notter spoke of our birth right to education, “You have a right to a quality education.” One of our civic obligations is to ensure an adequate public education is provided.

Students were invited to ask Mr. Notter questions. Some students asked Mr. Notter about his opinion on the FCAT. Mr. Notter is a self-proclaimed “advocate for accountability.” Notter supports end-of-course exams, which he explained would likely be similar to the Regent Exam system in New York.

Mr. Notter would like to know what students, as the end-line customers, see in their school that is different than three years ago. He would like to know what students would like to see back as the customer. Notter would like to understand each student’s picture of what they’ve seen that they have lost over the last few years. This information may be of great use in the legislative process. Legislators need to see the effects of their cuts.

School Board members Robin Bartleman and Jennifer Gottlieb were present for much of the meeting and briefly addressed the students in attendance.

Following the BCASC meeting, Mr. Mike Roland introduced Bud Chiles, Geoff Chiles, and Michael Winn, who spoke about the Worst to First initiative and the Lawton Chiles Leadership Corps.

Around 3:00pm, students, a school board member (Robin Bartleman), one of state Representative Franklin Sand’s assistants, and members of the community embarked on a walk for education with Bud Chiles as part of the Million Steps Walk campaign. We walked from Stranahan High School to the Broward Center for Performing Arts to display our support for public education and children’s issues.

As Chair of the Civic Involvement Committee of the Broward County Association of Student Councils, I am proud to be a part of this effort.