FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Education has selected 16 high school students as new members of the 2026-2027 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council, joining nine returning members, according to Kentucky Teacher.

The council is designed to gather student feedback on critical issues impacting students and schools, connecting Kentucky high school students with KDE staff to develop ideas that strengthen student voice and transform education. Approximately 70 students applied for spots on the council for the coming school year.

The newly selected members will serve from the 2026-2027 school year and, if eligible, will have the option to serve again in the fall of 2027. The nine returning members include students from across the state, representing schools such as Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Kentucky School for the Deaf, Morgan County High School and others ranging from 11th to 12th grade.

The council meets regularly with Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher both in person and virtually to discuss how decisions made at the state level affect students throughout Kentucky. According to the KDE, council membership includes at least two student members from each of the seven Kentucky Board of Education districts, a student from the Kentucky School for the Deaf, students from the Kentucky School for the Blind, and student members enrolled in career and technical education pathways.

The Kentucky high school student who will serve as the non-voting member of the Kentucky Board of Education will be invited to have a seat on the council. That student is expected to be announced prior to the board meeting in August.