Tonight I spoke at the North Chicago D187 Board again. The first time was spontaneous; this time I came prepared. With only 3 minutes to speak, I couldn’t fit everything, so here’s the heart of it: On August 12, 2025, the Board had a clear chance to discuss and enact a district-wide volunteer policy, a framework to protect students and support community involvement. No policy passed. Some members walked out. If it wasn’t about one person, why abandon the whole discussion? If student safety is the priority, why not stay, discuss, and do the work? Facts over feelings. Public comment isn’t a monologue; it’s timed. Governance isn’t about popularity; it’s about policy. Let’s stop personal tests and pass real safeguards. Say it with me: • Let’s protect student voices, not punish them. • Let’s work through disagreement, not walk away from it. • Let’s center students, not egos. • Let’s build trust, not tension. • Let’s choose service, not self-interest. To the claim that students are “coached” whenever they speak: that’s disrespectful and false. North Chicago students think critically, speak for themselves, and deserve to be heard. Media literacy matters. Before sharing headlines about our district (budgets, debt, etc.), ask: Is this a primary source or a secondary source? What’s the author’s bias and purpose? What context is missing (timelines, capital projects, comparisons)? Don’t spread misinformation—research first. Think before you click. Education is a village effort—district, staff, families, city, and students together. Show up for learning with the same energy folks show up for drama. Be active, not passive. Scripture that grounds me: • “Train up a child in the way they should go…” — Proverbs 22:6 • “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” — Psalm 56:3 • “Control your temper—anger labels you a fool.” — Ecclesiastes 7:9 With respect, hope, and commitment to my community, — Trenton Taylor, NCCHS ’24 | Student, advocate, volunteer, Northwestern University #ThinkBeforeYouClick #ProtectStudentVoices #NorthChicago #D187 #FactsOverFeelings #VolunteerPolicy #CommunityFirst #PublicEducation #ServeWithIntegrity #StudentAdvocacy
