Student Member of the Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, February 26, 2026

Dr. J. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32178
Dr. Joseph Beavers, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 32135
 

LEONARDTOWN, MD — St. Mary's Association of Student Councils (SMASC) held elections for the Student Member of the St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education (BOE). Isabella Derisavi was elected. She is an eleventh-grade student at Leonardtown High School (LHS) and is enrolled in the Academy of Global and International Studies. Isabella will replace the current Student Member of the Board, Vanessa Li, from LHS, on July 1, 2026.

Isabella has held numerous positions as a student leader. She currently serves as the Treasurer of SMASC and as the Public Coordinator for the St. Mary's Association of Model United Nations, both of which are county-level leadership responsibilities. Additionally, Isabella serves as the Treasurer of the Principal's Student Advisory Council, treasurer for the Class of 2027, and secretary for Leonardtown High School's Student Government Association. Isabella is also the Co-President of the Operation Smile Club at LHS, an organization dedicated to increasing access to care for children with cleft lip or palate. Furthermore, Isabella is a member of the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) Environmental Affairs Committee and has been able to represent the county at the state level through legislation.

Mr. James Copsey III, the principal of Leonardtown High School, stated, “Isabella is a remarkable young leader whose commitment to her school and community is evident through her numerous leadership roles and her understanding of the diverse needs of our student body.” Mr. Copsey continued to express that Isabella's “strong desire to advocate for all students, particularly in areas like resource allocation . . . [and her] ability to collaborate with adults, makes Isabella an outstanding candidate for the Board.” Additionally, Ms. Wrenn Heisler, an Advanced Placement English teacher at LHS, stated Isabella is “a thoughtful writer and thinker, and she approaches her interactions with peers with a lighthearted, compassionate attitude that enables her to lead effectively by example.”  

As the Student Member of the Board-elect, Isabella aims to actively engage in outreach with SMCPS students to gather their perspectives and ensure that the Board's initiatives reflect student voices from across the county. Furthermore, Isabella plans to implement a student-centered information campaign designed to enhance awareness among elementary, middle, and high school students about matters directly impacting SMCPS. Isabella also intends to strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders throughout the SMCPS community, collaboratively addressing challenges and meeting them with effective, student-informed solutions. Isabella aims to be an accessible leader and welcomes communication and questions from fellow SMCPS students.

As a member of the Board of Education, Isabella will bring a valuable student perspective and actively participate in student and school-related activities. For further information, please contact Mr. Kevin T. Wright, Supervisor of Instruction for Secondary Social Studies, by phone at 301-475-5511, ext. 32128, or by email at ktwright@smcps.org.