PMP488: Empowering Student Voices with PAHS Principal Advisory Committee

A Quick Note to Listeners:

Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener’s question. This week’s question is:

As a system leader, how do you encourage teachers in high-performing schools to go beyond “my students do well on the tests” or even other administrators, “have you seen our test scores?” and aim for instruction that really stretches students’ thinking, agency, and intellectual rigor? I’m especially curious how you do this when current success metrics and evaluations tend to reinforce the status quo.

Listen in to hear their response!

Meet the Palo Alto High School Principal Advisory Committee:

Brent Kline is the Principal of Palo Alto High School and a student-centered leader known for driving instructional improvement, equity, and strong community engagement. A former Washington State High School Principal of the Year and national finalist, he arrived at Paly in 2020. He has elevated student and staff voice—creating student-driven, student-led advisory meetings that guide his leadership and offer feedback to teachers. He has also supported innovative programs that helped Paly earn recognition as a Top-10 finalist for the World’s Best School Prize in Innovation. Kline holds degrees from CSU Hayward and Western Washington University. In this episode, he is joined by three PAC Executives:  

• Brian Miller-Junior
• Sione Fusimalohi-Junior
• Amalia Tormala-Senior

Charlotte Barclay-Senior is also a member of the PAC Executive Committee, but was absent from this interview, getting her wisdom teeth pulled.

These student members are part of the Principal Advisory Committee at Palo Alto High School and share what inspired them to apply and why student voice matters so deeply in school leadership. 

They explain how underrepresented students benefit when they have a meaningful platform to be heard, and why teachers need insight into how students want to grow—not just for short-term gains, but for long-term success. 

The students discuss the value of choice, agency, and project-based learning, including opportunities to select their level of challenge and design their own learning experiences.

We also explore the power of relationships, the “why” behind learning, and the importance of school leaders stepping back to let students take an active role in shaping their school community. 

What began as a program with 30 applicants has grown significantly—this year, 90 students applied, with 25 selected to serve. Each student leader describes how the committee helps them advocate for all students, represent the diversity of their school, and build a trusting, honest partnership with their principal.

Learn more on the Palo Alto High School website or contact Principal Brent Kline at bkline@pausd.org.

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