The Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) Board of Education approved the selection of seven Student Board Members to serve during the 2024-25 school year. Board Vice President Krista Weigand oversaw this year’s selection process, wherein one student from each high school was chosen to represent the student voice during Board of Education meetings. 

The Student Board Member program provides opportunities for students to learn about local school governance and build important communication skills, rotating turns sitting at the dais alongside the board members, and reporting on topics of importance to them. Student Board Members also report on upcoming and past school activities, creating improved connections among the district’s students, staff, leadership, and the community. 

"This program is a testament to our commitment to inspire, educate, and elevate our students. These students gain invaluable experience in local school governance and develop crucial communication skills by participating in our Board of Education meetings. Their involvement enriches their educational journey and strengthens the connection between our district’s leadership and school communities. We look forward to the insights and perspectives they will bring to our discussions, ensuring that the student voice is always heard and valued."

Student Board Members also vote on agenda items; although their votes are preferential, thus non-binding, they are recorded in the official meeting minutes.

Student Board Members are selected for one-year terms and are committed to:

• Maintain good standing in their academics, active involvement in their school community, and with their social peers

• Attend NMUSD Board meetings, which include a pre-meeting review of the agenda

• Obtain training on the roles and responsibilities of a Student Board Member, the Brown Act, Robert’s Rules of Order, ethics, and other applicable board governance and community relations responsibilities

• Attend the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Annual Education Conference 

This year’s Student Board Members are:

• Isaac Stone, senior, and Michelle Melgoza, junior, Back Bay High School (Stone is expected to graduate mid-year; Melgoza’s term will begin in January 2025)

• Ganon Overfelt, senior, Corona del Mar High School 

• India Howerton, senior, Costa Mesa High School (This is Howerton’s second term as a Student Board Member)

• Audrey Nguyenhuu, senior, Early College High School

• Devoni Bustos, junior, Estancia High School

• Brianna Garcia, senior, Newport Harbor High School (This is also Garcia’s second term as a Student Board Member)

A student from Monte Vista Independent Study will be selected soon.