WV Department of Education launches Super STARS Council for student engagement

August 16, 2026 - 22:33

State School Superintendent Michele Blatt announced the launch of the Super STARS Council, a new student engagement group designed to give young voices a direct role in shaping education across West Virginia. The council brings together students from various grade levels and regions, selected for their leadership potential and interest in school improvement.

Blatt said the first meeting exceeded expectations, noting that every student came prepared with thoughtful suggestions. "All of the students had great ideas," she said. "They are not just talking about problems. They are offering real solutions that we can study and possibly put into practice."

The council will meet several times throughout the school year, both in person and virtually. Members will discuss topics like classroom technology, mental health support, career readiness, and ways to make learning more engaging. Their feedback will be shared directly with the Department of Education, and Blatt said some recommendations could influence pilot programs in the coming semesters.

Superintendent Blatt emphasized that the council is not a symbolic gesture. She wants the group to have a measurable impact on policy. "These students know what happens in their schools every day," she said. "We need their perspective to make sure our decisions work for the people they affect most."

The name Super STARS stands for Students Taking Action and Responsibility for Success. The department plans to accept new applications each year, with an eye toward building a lasting pipeline of student advisors. For now, the initial members are focused on turning their ideas into clear proposals, and Blatt says she looks forward to seeing what they deliver.