Student Board Member Launches R.I.S.E. Initiative To Expand Student Engagement

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — St. Mary’s County Board of Education student member Isabella Derisavi has unveiled a new leadership initiative she says will guide her work during the 2026-27 school year, focusing on increasing student representation, strengthening inclusion and encouraging greater student involvement in school decision-making.

Derisavi introduced the R.I.S.E. Initiative during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, describing it as a leadership framework built around four pillars: Representation, Inclusion, Student Agency and Elevated Leadership.

She said the initiative is intended to provide a clear framework for the priorities she outlined after taking office earlier this month and to ensure student feedback plays a larger role in Board of Education discussions.

“To ensure that I’m really delivering these goals and making a tangible impact, I’d like to implement the R.I.S.E. initiative that Dr. Smith and I have been collaborating on,” Derisavi said.

According to Derisavi, the initiative is intended to create a more transparent and responsive school system by improving communication between students and district leaders while encouraging students to take a more active role in shaping their educational experience.

R.I.S.E initiative’s four pillars

• Representation: Ensuring student voices are included in decision-making.
• Inclusion: Cultivating an environment where every student feels valued and supported.
• Student agency: Encouraging students to take ownership of their educational journeys.
• Elevated leadership: Developing leadership opportunities that allow students to help shape school policies instead of simply following them.

“Ultimately, the objective of the R.I.S.E. initiative is to foster a more transparent and responsive school system where information is more accessible, students are engaged and students feel better prepared for their future,” Derisavi said.

She said the framework will guide her tenure as the student member of the Board of Education and continue to evolve throughout the school year based on student feedback.

Derisavi encouraged students and members of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools community to share ideas and questions, saying she plans to continue gathering input through email, social media and other outreach efforts.

“This platform is developed based on student perspectives that I’ve had the privilege to hear,” Derisavi said. “I want to ensure that I continue to reflect their voices and your voices as the student representative.” 

Derisavi encouraged students to contact her through the Student Member of the Board Instagram account, @smcps_smob, or by email at iderisavi@smcps.org.

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