Bloomington students chosen to serve on advocacy council

Kennedy senior Jazzmyna Alcenat and Jefferson senior Dhruvika Uppal will serve as student representatives on the Bloomington Public Schools Advocacy Council (BPSAC).

The BPSAC collaborates with and advises the School Board on legislative matters and advocates for district-supported issues. The council consists of five parents/caregivers, two School Board members, the superintendent, a Community Relations Office representative and eight community members, including up to two student representatives.

Alcenat says her experience advocating for diverse student populations and strong communication skills enable her to ensure all voices are heard and considered.

“As a lifelong learner and dedicated problem-solver, I am eager to contribute my creativity, collaborative spirit, and unique insight to help shape policies that will positively impact the educational experience of every student in our district,” she said.

Uppal is no stranger to working with the district’s leadership and elected officials. In addition to her role on the advocacy council, she is one of two student representatives on the School Board and was on the district’s strategic planning team last year.

“I was eager to join the advocacy council due to my passion for building an inclusive environment for students that will contribute to a sense of belonging,” she said. “By being a part of the strategic planning team, I realized this sense of belonging will motivate students to engage more in school and succeed.”

Alcenat and Uppal’s BPSAC membership was approved at the Dec. 11 School Board meeting. You can learn more about the council at bit.ly/bpsac-bylaws.