Student board member Zong says student mental health is top priority for district’s 63,000 students

Zong, a senior at Floren High School and the 2025–2026 student board member, said mental health is their primary focus as they represent the district’s student population. "I represent over 63,000 students," Zong said, calling the opportunity "very empowering."

Zong told the board they applied for the student board role "with one major goal which was to help our students' mental health," and described personal struggles with mental health during high school as part of their motivation for serving. "There was a period of time where even though I was doing what I loved most, I felt no joy, no accomplishment from it," Zong said.

The student representative described the job as both challenging and rewarding. "I've ran into a couple tough meetings thus far in my term where we have very controversial and very important topics that are on the meeting agenda," Zong said. They advised prospective applicants that the position is "definitely not an easy job," but added that it can be fulfilling: "At the end of each board meeting, at the end of every school visit, you get to see all the community members come together ... and it's honestly very empowering to just be able to use your voice."

Zong also said the role has allowed them to connect with communities beyond their home region and to observe differences in student life and school culture across the district. The remarks convey the student board member’s priorities and lived experience rather than proposing specific policy changes or motions.