Student urges board to create dietary inclusion council; trustees approve resolution

Emily Lynn, a senior at Arroyo High School, told the El Monte Union High School District board she was speaking “to support resolution number 15, establishing a dietary inclusion council to promote vegetarian options across our district.” She said the council would be student-led, supported by district staff, and use a secured $4,000 microgrant to pilot outreach and taste-testing events.

The request came during the public-comment period and drew praise from trustees and staff. Trustee Galaviz said it was “refreshing when we see our students come in and talk about an item,” and student trustee Tessa Oseguela described her own experiences with limited vegetarian choices in school meals. Director of Nutrition Services Susie Ceccer (referenced by trustees) was thanked repeatedly for partnering with students on menu options.

Board President Briones moved to approve Resolution 15, which establishes a Dietary Inclusion Council to promote inclusive vegetarian school meal options and provide administrative support and meeting space. The motion was seconded and the board approved the resolution unanimously, 5-0. Trustee Guzman encouraged staff to plan for sustainability beyond the initial microgrant, noting the potential to connect the council’s work to CTE pathways and broader nutrition education.

The council will incorporate student taste tests and PR outreach; trustees said they would monitor implementation through regular staff updates. The district’s nutrition director and student representatives were asked to return with details about outreach and funding uses as the council begins work.