Victoria Independent School District (VISD) and Victoria East High School (VEHS) are proud to have had one of their exceptional 2023 graduates, Izabela De la Rosa, join East High School Principal Justin Gabrysch, Superintendent of Schools Quintin Shepherd, and Board President Mike Mercer in presenting at the Texas Association of School Board-Superintendent Leadership Institute (TASB SLI).
The presentation focused on the implementation and success of participatory budgeting within secondary campuses in Victoria ISD, specifically the student experience at VEHS.
Participatory budgeting is an innovative approach that involves students, staff, and community members in the decision-making process of allocating funds. VEHS implemented participatory budgeting with $100,000 of available Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
This collaborative method empowered students to have a direct impact on the distribution of resources, promoting transparency and fostering a sense of ownership among students within the campus.
De la Rosa, an accomplished and driven Class of 2023 graduate from VEHS, actively played a part in the participatory budgeting initiative. The dedication of her and other students to improving the school community and their insightful contributions to the process have made her a valued member of the presentation team.
The TASB SLI conference is a prestigious event that brings together educational leaders from across the state to share best practices, explore new ideas, and address challenges in school governance and administration. The inclusion of Victoria East High School in this esteemed lineup of presenters underscores the district’s commitment to fostering student involvement and democratic decision-making.
During the presentation, De la Rosa, alongside East High School Principal Justin Gabrysch, shared their experiences, highlighted the positive impact of participatory budgeting, and provided insights into the implementation process. They discussed the benefits of student ownership in budget decisions, the lessons learned from this unique approach, and the steps taken to ensure a smooth integration of participatory budgeting within the school district.
The presentation at TASB SLI serves as an opportunity to inspire other educational institutions to embrace participatory budgeting as a means of empowering students, enhancing community engagement, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility. Victoria East High School’s dedication to student voice and transparent decision-making serves as a model for districts across the state.