When Plainfield East High School junior Brittany Beasley noticed an opportunity to strengthen student voices, she took action.
Beasley recently became the first student representative to District 202’s CAPE organization. CAPE stands for the Coordination of Administration and Parent Groups for Educational Efficiency and has provided support for the District’s parent organizations for 50 years.
Beasley presented at the Friday, February 20, 2026, meeting after approaching CAPE leadership because she believes students should have a voice in initiatives that directly affect them.
As part of this new initiative, CAPE will include one student representative at each meeting, with a different high school represented each time.
“Oftentimes, we want both our parents and staff, who care about us deeply, to hear what we truly need help with or need to make our school environment more welcoming,” Beasley said.
She emphasized that adding a student perspective to a group of parent leaders is critical. Students attend school five days a week, she noted, and experience first-hand what is working well and where improvements can be made.
“It’s so important to have a student voice because it introduces a new perspective that may not have been considered before,” she said. “Students want to create a space where everyone feels supported.”
Through her new role, Beasley hopes to help bridge communication between students and adults, ensuring concerns are heard and meaningful change can take place.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this team to better our school environment.”
Beasley’s appointment marks a new chapter for CAPE, bringing student insight directly into conversations that shape the school community.