Superintendent's Student Advisory Council
The Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council is a leadership group made up of students from every high school who are passionate about shaping a better school experience. Students on the council work closely with the Student Board Member and Superintendent to share student perspectives, address important issues, and collaborate on initiatives that improve school culture and student life. Throughout the year, members will plan events, and develop and implement projects serving students district-wide. We are looking for four dedicated representatives from each high school who are ready to use their voice, build their leadership and communication skills, and make a real impact across Santa Barbara Unified.
Current Focus
This year, the Student Advisory Council is focused on creating sustainable pipelines that strengthen opportunity awareness and academic support across school levels in our district. After discussing our shared goal of heightening resource awareness among students, we decided to split into two teams: one dedicated to connecting high schools with junior highs, and another to expanding outreach to elementary schools.
The high school to junior high team will build on the district showcase by organizing student panels where representatives from various high school programs share their experiences, helping younger students make more informed decisions about pathways and opportunities.
Meanwhile, the high school to elementary team aims to create a mentorship program where high school volunteers support after-school programs, stimulating academic growth but also promoting mentorship and mental health. By fostering consistent relationships between high school and elementary students, we hope to spark early interest in learning, build confidence, and ensure every student is aware of the opportunities waiting for them as they progress through the district
How to Get Involved
Any current high school students within the Santa Barbara Unified School District are welcome to join! Meetings are open format so new students may begin attending meetings whenever. Meetings are typically held from 4:30 to 6 pm at the District Office the third Wednesday of every month.
Meeting Dates
- 9/17/2025
- 10/15/2025
- 11/19/2025
- 12/17/2025
- 1/21/2026
- 2/18/2026
- 3/18/2026
- 4/15/2026
- 5/20/2026
Contact
Student Board Member: studentboardmember@sbunified.org
Superintendent Maldonado: hmaldonado@sbunified.org
About the Student Board Member
Carlos Taft-Vazquez
S T U D E N T B O A R D M E M B E R
Carlos Vazquez is a senior at San Marcos High School and will serve as the new Student Board Member for the 2025-2026 school year.
Carlos is an active leader in his community, currently serving as a member of the Santa Barbara Youth Council, President of his AAPLE Academy class for the past three years, and Co-President of the San Marcos MEChA chapter—an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Latino culture on campus.
He is passionate about amplifying youth voices both in schools and across the broader community. As a member of the School Board, Carlos is especially committed to fostering diverse and inclusive school environments, where every student feels represented and supported. He hopes to focus on students and educators working collaboratively to build a culture of belonging resulting in academic success.
Email Carlos at: studentboardmember@sbunified.org