At the May 15 Superintendent Student Advisory (SSA) linkage meeting, students from all grade levels led a discussion with Mercer Island School Board members.

High school students raised concerns about inconsistent grading and limited support systems, describing the transition from middle school under the standards-based grading (SBG) system as “difficult” and “challenging.”

“In middle school, you could reassess easily,” one student explained, “but in high school, you don’t always get a second chance… and grading varies by teacher.”

Another added: “We just want to understand what’s expected of us before we fall behind.”

Students called for clearer grading practices and earlier communication during school transitions.

Elementary students raised questions around teacher accountability. A Northwood Elementary student asked, “How do you guys quality control the teachers?” pointing out that adults might act differently when being observed. Romy from Island Park Elementary expressed concern about counselor follow-through, stating that counselors listen, “but most of the time they don’t really do anything about it.”

Superintendent Fred Rundle acknowledged Romy’s concern and suggested that if a student feels that their issue hasn’t been addressed, they should consider talking to their teacher to bridge the conversation with their counselor. He explained that sometimes counselors might be working behind the scenes with teachers to resolve issues. Rundle encouraged students to follow up directly with counselors, saying it’s okay to ask, “Can you help me understand what actions you took to help me with my problem?”

Board Director Cristina Martinez affirmed the impact of student voice: “The feedback you give us helps shape decisions over time.”

Despite these concerns, students praised the new Yondr phone pouch policy that was initially met with skepticism, but has since gained broader support. “There’s a shift in the culture and the way people interact — it actually worked,” said Robin, a freshman. Students reported greater focus in class, more meaningful peer interaction, and reduced pressure to check their phones or engage with social media. Some even welcomed the daily break from digital distractions.

Board and PTA Linkage Session

During the bond and levy discussion, PTA Council President Julian Bradley emphasized shifting priorities from the parent community, stating, “Parents feel the levy is more important than the bond,” while warning that the failed bond advocacy effort tapped “a limited pool of parent volunteers” pretty hard.

Student board representative Ava Zhang pointed to public confusion: “People were asking why we’re firing librarians while raising money for facilities.” Northwood PTA Co-President Debbie Nelson later echoed the concern: “I know Northwood is going to cancel some programs this year because they couldn’t get enough volunteers.”

Board President Maggie Tai Tucker added, “There’s been a cultural shift. During COVID, people turned inward…and they haven’t really come back.”

PTA Council Vice President Sarah Karim raised concerns about elementary school resources, saying, “Our elementary kids don’t have the same resources our high schoolers had when they were in elementary school.”

Superintendent Fred Rundle acknowledged that some schools are under-enrolled, which affects funding and services.

Board Director Deborah Lurie stressed the importance of aligned leadership and parent involvement in supporting students: “If you don’t have a board that’s on the same page as the superintendent, you have a big problem,” adding, “Either get involved and be part of the solution, or trust the vote and the people making it.”

During the legislative advocacy discussion, Rundle described the state budget process as “a fight over a pot that didn’t exist,” and Lurie pointed to structural barriers in local funding: “Until the Legislature changes the passing percent and takes away the supermajority, I don’t think we’re going to get 60% to pass.”

Rundle also reported that no certificated staff were laid off and that some limited-term staff were rehired. On nurse staffing, he emphasized a student-centered approach: “It’s not about every school having the same staffing … it’s about where the needs are.” Lurie reinforced the point: “The priority was always student safety … making sure nurses aren’t being asked to do the impossible.”

The meeting ended with Director Cristina Martinez issuing a public apology for staying silent “when fellow board members were harassed and attacked.” She further noted, “I’ve been afraid of being a target. But I’m choosing to be brave now. If I see something, I will say something.” She condemned the social media targeting of a PTA advocate and called for a culture of compassion and respect: “Tolerance is not about putting up with each other … it’s about accepting and appreciating diversity.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated/corrected since its initial posting.