Indian origin student, Ishaan Savla, a junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California, has been appointed to the Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBOE).
Joining Savla as a student member for the 2024-25 school year is Luke Wilson, a senior at El Cerrito High School. Both Savla and Wilson were chosen from a pool of 35 competitive applicants spanning 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,” noted a statement from CCCBOE while adding both Savla and Wilson will participate in their first meeting on August 14, 2024.
The statement added that Savla and Wilson, as members of the CCCBOE, will be actively participating in meetings, offering insights on issues affecting students, and collaborating with other members. They hold a preferential vote, allowing them to formally express their stance on a motion before the board’s vote. However, these preferential votes do not influence the final numerical outcome of the 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 active in various advocacy roles. He serves as the Governmental Affairs and Policy Director for the Bay Area at the California Association for Student Councils and acts as an ambassador for the San Ramon Teen Council. He is also a class officer and leadership team member at Dougherty Valley High School.
“I am excited to begin this journey as a student member of the county’s Board of Education,” Savla said. “I aim to connect with special needs students and forge more sister-school partnerships where student-led clubs and organizations bridge students across the county. I want to ensure that the voices of students are present in the conversation about educational policies and priorities.”
