County student leaders describe learning about budgets, Brown Act and board processes at Student Trustee Academy

Fifteen high-school students who took part in the Santa Cruz County Office of Education’s Student Trustee Academy described how the program taught them about school boards, budgets, Robert’s Rules and the Brown Act, and urged the Board to keep supporting student leadership programs.

“Throughout the academy, we learned about the history and role of school boards, how democracy functions within public education, and the importance of a balanced budget,” said Lavela Jones, a rising senior at Santa Cruz High and an incoming student trustee for Santa Cruz City Schools. Several other participants recounted practical lessons on public speaking and procedures, and praised co-instructor Daniel Esqueda for developing a student civic engagement handbook now used by Pajaro Valley Unified.

Superintendent Farris Sabah and program facilitators thanked guest presenters and described the academy’s reach: six instructional sessions with 15 students from 10 schools. The Board presented certificates of completion and a special recognition to Esqueda for his handbook and service.

Trustees used the presentation to promote continued student participation. Superintendent Sabah announced a new countywide student leadership council and invited students to apply to represent county students by the September board meeting. “We’re looking to select students who represent the community of students in our county,” Sabah said.

The academy’s students and trustees called the program an investment in future leadership. Board members invited participants to a reception and photographed the group before moving on to other agenda business.