State soliciting student opinions

A state education official wants to hear student opinions and is accepting applications from savvy kids who want to share theirs.

All seventh through 12th grade students in Fayette County and in the state are invited to apply for a seat on the 2015 Student Advisory Council that will be led by state School Superintendent-elect Richard Woods.

The council will meet three times during the school year to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Georgia. Meetings are tentatively set for February, March and May and applicants should be available to attend all meetings.

Members are advisers and will act as liaisons between the state Department of Education (DOE) and the students of Georgia. While Woods will conduct the meetings, various DOE personnel will also provide information during the student sessions.

“Meeting with students and getting their advice will be a top priority of mine as state School Superintendent,” Woods said. “I am committed to making decisions that are in the best interests of our students, and hearing from them directly is how I can ensure that happens.”

Applications can be found on the DOE website at www.gadoe.org and must be returned by Friday, Jan. 16.