Ishaan Savla named student member of California county school board

Indian American junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon has been actively involved in local and statewide advocacy

Ishaan Savla, an Indian American junior at Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California, has been appointed as a student member of the Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBOE) for the 2024-25 school year.

He was selected with another student 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, according to a media release.

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.

“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.”

Welcoming the new student members, 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.”

Student members of the board 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. Their first meeting will be Wednesday, Aug 14.

One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County (CCCOE), with 286 schools or 18 school districts, has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students).