Indian American High School Junior Appointed Student Member to Contra Costa County Education Board
- Ishaan Savla will actively participate in meetings, offer insights on issues affecting students, and collaborate with other members, and have a preferential vote.
The Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBOE) has appointed Ishaan Savla as one of the student members of the board for the 2024-25 school year. The Indian American junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon is joined by Luke Wilson, a senior at El Cerrito High School.
They were selected from a pool of 35 applicants representing eight school districts and 11 high schools. Their appointment reflects the Board’s commitment to including student voices in the decision-making process that affects their education and future.
As student members of the CCCBOE, Savla and Wilson will actively participate in meetings, offer insights on issues affecting students, and collaborate with other members. They have a preferential vote, which means they may formally express their preference on a motion before a vote by the board. Preferential votes do not count in the final numerical outcome of a motion.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ishaan and Luke to the Board,” Board President Mike Maxwell said. “Their impressive accomplishments and commitment to their communities stood out among a talented group of applicants. We look forward to their contributions and are confident they will provide invaluable insights on behalf of their peers.”
Savla has been actively involved in local and statewide advocacy, serving as Governmental Affairs and Policy Director for the Bay Area at the California Association for Student Councils, an ambassador for the San Ramon Teen Council, and a class officer and member of the leadership team at Dougherty Valley High School.
In a statement Savla said he’s “excited to begin this journey as a student member of the county’s Board of Education.” He said he aims “to connect with special needs students and forge more sister-school partnerships where student-led clubs and organizations bridge students across the county.” He also wants “to ensure that the voices of students are present in the conversation about educational policies and priorities.”