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Student Board Members
TVUSD Student Governing Board Members
In 2024, the Temecula Valley Unified Board of Education accepted a student petition and authorized the
installment of a student board member in line with California Education Code 35012. Additional details can be found in Board Bylaw 9150.Please see the information below to determine if you are eligible to become one of the two district Student Board Members (one Student Board Member and one Alternate) for a one-year term effective July 1, 2025.
My name is Melissa Chai, and I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to run as your first-ever Student Board Member for the Temecula Valley Unified School District. I’m currently a junior at Chaparral High School, and I’m passionate about making student voices heard at the highest level of decision-making in our district.
With over 250 student nominations, I’m honored by the overwhelming support from peers across all TVUSD high schools. My campaign is proudly endorsed by the former Student Board Member of MVUSD, a recipient of the Presidential Service Award, and an Education Programs Consultant for the California Department of Education—leaders who believe in my vision for student-centered change.
I currently serve as Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Platinum Press, leading CHS’s award-winning school newspaper, and as CHS Mock Trial Team Co-Captain, where I earned the 2025 Outstanding Prosecution Blue Ribbon Award. I’m ranked in the top 2% of my class while completing over 300 hours of community service and holding leadership roles across campus.
I co-founded the Volunteer Network Initiative, which connects youth with local service opportunities, and Inland Empire Community Creates, which uplifts underrepresented student artists. I also serve as a youth attorney and board member for the California Association of Youth Courts, gaining real-world experience in restorative justice and youth leadership.
I believe students deserve more than a voice—they deserve real representation. I’m ready to serve with transparency, compassion, and integrity.
In my opinion, the group that holds the most significance within our school district is the student body, which is simultaneously the group that is severely underrepresented in current discussion. I believe that I can be the voice for those who don’t have one. This community means so much to me, and to so many others as well. I want to be able to highlight the unique perspectives of my peers and offer unbiased insight, so that decisions made for us students can also be made BY us. As for myself, I am an active member in the Temecula Valley High School Golden Singers’ choir, helping my group plan events and concerts and be known. Additionally, I have recently completed an internship for LINKED, specializing in Asian American culture and mental health struggles. Other than that, I love to perform and sing as much as I can like in school talent shows and events. I’m a pretty average student compared to some of the other fantastic candidates, but I also think that in a way it gives me an advantage: Relatability and representation.. I am similar to a good majority of the student body, I’m an underdog, someone to root for, to relate to. I care, I care so much, I want everyone to have a say, I want the student voice to be heard, to be at the forefront and not the background and if I am elected, I will ensure that you all will be heard.
My name is Koki Elliott, I am a junior at Chaparral High School, and I’m running for the Student Board position. I am an avid athlete and always have been since I was a little kid. Currently, I am involved with track and field at Chaparral High School and am a soccer player for City SC. Other than athletics, I am also a hard-working student. As of now, I have been through eight AP courses, three years of Avid, am an honor roll student, and halfway through getting my AP capstone. Throughout the years of my high school career, I found myself often in positions of leadership. Whether it was a simple project from my art class or a grade-defining assignment from one of my AP courses, I would naturally gravitate towards leading positions. As one of the first students brought to the TVUSD board, I recognize the importance of getting involved, and I hope I will be able to represent the students of TVUSD.
For the past few years, our district board has thoroughly disregarded the interests of students and staff alike to push their own regressive agenda, putting many students at risk and wasting our district budget that should be used to improve our education. I am putting myself in this race to ensure that student interests are at the forefront of our district’s administration, including our rights to up-to-date curriculums, extracurriculars, improved campus facilities, and ensuring that every student is valued and respected. As a student member of the TVUSD school board, I will hold all current board members accountable for actions against the well-being of the student population and make it clear that it is us who this district should serve. I will create a student outreach program that will allow students to voice their grievances to the school board and the wider public through me, so we can together fight for our access to a high-quality and inclusive educational environment, and remind our elected officials that they should SERVE OUR DISTRICT, not the PACs and interest groups that are funding them. My membership in various service organizations such as the NHS, CSF, and Rho Kappa as well as leadership positions in many clubs means that I possess the leadership and community outreach experiences to effectively represent everyone's voices. A vote for Shanwei Jiang is a vote for your rights and future, and let us all proclaim at the ballot box that the people united will never be defeated!
Students should complete the Google Form applicationlinked here.
Be prepared to complete or upload:
Nomination Signatures. Must be from students currently enrolled in the Temecula Valley Unified School District, Must be in a sign and print format (example), and the number of required signatures is 200 or 10% of the student body
Candidate Statement - Maximum 250 words
2 Letters of Recommendation. Please provide one letter of recommendation from a high school teacher and one from an administrator (e.g., principal, assistant principal, or counselor at your high school).
Additional Documentation: Recent transcript with grades and a current year attendance record.
*Please note that anything you submit could be requested by members of the public for their viewing. Applications with missing attachments or information will not be accepted. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure all requirements are met. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.
All applications must be received between 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025.
2025-2026: Senior and Junior High school students in the school district may apply.
How is a student board member selected?
A student Board member shall be chosen by students enrolled in the district's high schools in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Board. (Education Code 35012)
How long is the term for a student board member?
The term of student Board member(s) shall be one year, commencing on July 1. However, the Board may adjust the term of a student Board member only if a vacancy occurs or in order to give more students an opportunity to serve on the Board. (Education Code 35012)
Student board members can provide input, represent student voices, and participate in discussions. Sometimes, they may have an advisory vote, but their votes do not count toward board decisions.
Can a student board member make motions?
Yes, student board members can make motions that a regular board member must second to proceed.
Are student board members allowed to attend closed sessions?
Student Board members cannot participate in or receive closed session materials because they often include discussions of sensitive topics.
What kind of training is available for student board members?
Many districts provide orientation sessions, mentorship from board members, and resources from organizations like the California School Boards Association (CSBA).
Student board members are typically unpaid but may receive reimbursements for travel and other board-related expenses.
Can serving as a student board member help with college applications?
Yes! It demonstrates leadership, civic engagement, and a commitment to education, which can be valuable on college applications.
How can a student board member effectively represent students?
By regularly engaging with peers, conducting surveys, attending student council meetings, and ensuring student concerns are addressed in board discussions.
