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Two District 202 students are returning to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) Student Advisory Council (SAC) for the 2026-27 academic year. 

Plainfield North High School senior Mowosimi Kolawole and Plainfield South High School junior Miranda Moreno-Balderas will serve a second term on the 21-member council, which brings together student leaders from across Illinois to advise the State Board on education policy. 

District 202 is the only district in Illinois with two representatives on the council this year, marking the second consecutive year the District has had two students serving on SAC. 

Kolawole and Moreno-Balderas were originally selected through a competitive application and interview process. As returning members, they completed a portion of the application process to be considered for a second term.

Established in 1975, SAC gives high school students opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, engage with education leaders and advise the State Board on issues affecting students and schools across Illinois. 

Kolawole is a student leader and entrepreneur who founded a food-security nonprofit that has raised $25,000. He also represents District 202 students through several leadership roles and serves as president of Plainfield North’s Finance Club.

“I applied to the SAC for a second term because my last term was an eye-opening experience,” Kolawole said. “Working with my peers from across the state and addressing chronic absenteeism really opened my eyes to the importance of using your voice and advocating for others.”

This year, Kolawole hopes to bring his experience with college admissions and standardized testing to the council. 

“Being a student leader means listening to others,” Kolawole said. “I learned that making sure everyone feels heard is just as important as taking action to elevate student voices.”

Moreno-Balderas said she returned to the SAC after seeing firsthand how students’ recommendations could influence education policy across Illinois.

“During my first term, I witnessed the work I did for ISBE become part of statewide policies,” Moreno-Balderas said. “Seeing the meaningful impact on everyday classroom life inspired me to keep going and showed me this is something I want to pursue.”

Last year, Moreno-Balderas specialized in artificial intelligence or AI and technology use in education, drawing on observations and research from District 202 classrooms as well as feedback from students across the state. 

She plans to continue that work this year as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in schools.

“I plan to put forth the highest quality of my efforts to work in favor of not just students in our District, but for all students in Illinois,” she said.

Moreno-Balderas is a student ambassador pursuing Paralegal Studies while researching AI literacy and business law. A dedicated leader and community advocate, she aspires to pursue corporate law and contribute to innovative neurosurgery research. 

“We are excited that Simi will be representing Plainfield North and the entire District 202 community on the ISBE SAC for a second year,” PNHS Principal Ross Draper said. “This advisory provides valuable input for changes that directly impact our students at North and across the state.”

“We are thrilled that Miranda is bringing her drive, leadership and positive energy back to the Student Advisory Council for a second year,” PSHS Principal Lisa Smith said. “Having her represent Plainfield South at the state level is inspiring, and I have no doubt she’ll continue to be a powerful, thoughtful voice for her peers. We are extremely proud of her!”