1st Student Representative Appointed To CAPE

PLAINFIELD, IL — The first student representative has been appointed to Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202's organization that bridges the gap between parents and the administration.

Brittany Beasley, a junior at Plainfield East High School, hopes to help foster communication between students and adults, ensuring concerns are heard and meaningful change can take place, the district said in a news release.

Beasley presented at the Feb. 20 meeting after approaching CAPE leadership because she believes students should have a voice in initiatives that directly affect them, the district said. The Coordination of Administration and Parent Groups for Educational Efficiency has provided support for the district's parent organizations for 50 years.

"Oftentimes, we want both our parents and staff, who care about us deeply, to hear what we truly need help with or need to make our school environment more welcoming," Beasley said, per District 202.

As part of the new initiative, CAPE will include one student representative at each meeting, with a different high school represented each time.

"It's so important to have a student voice because it introduces a new perspective that may not have been considered before," Beasley said. "Students want to create a space where everyone feels supported."