FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Attached are some photos from the swearing-in.
Media Contact: James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SWEARS IN NEW STUDENT TRUSTEES FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
New Trustees Will Help Shape District Decisions and Amplify the Voices of More than 90,000 Students
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 10, 2026) — San Diego Unified School District continues its commitment to uplifting student voice and leadership with the swearing-in of two new Student Trustees, Ethan Ramirez and Lauren Ly, who will represent more than 94,000 students during the 2026–27 school year. Sworn in on June 9, 2026, the student trustees will participate in Board of Education meetings, provide input on issues impacting students, and serve as a bridge between district leadership and the student body. Their first official Board of Education meeting will take place on July 14.
Lauren Ly of Scripps Ranch High and Ethan Ramirez of San Diego High will serve one-year terms, and they replace outgoing trustees Alina Nguyen of Hoover High and Ashley Ordaz of University City High. Their terms began July 1.
Ly, an eleventh grader at Scripps Ranch High, is a passionate advocate for fairness, equity, and student voice. As a Student Equity Ambassador, she led the Civic Engagement group, facilitating meaningful dialogue with district leaders and elevating the perspectives and experiences of students across San Diego Unified. Her commitment to student wellness also extends beyond the classroom. She helped shape how schools define and support student wellness through contributions to a national survey focused on youth well-being.
Driven by a strong belief in service and collaboration, Ly founded her community’s first UNICEF chapter, organizing advocacy and fundraising efforts supporting underserved children nationwide. She also serves as Vice President of the Mock Trial Club and as a delegate and secretary for the Model United Nations Club, where she has earned multiple awards for leadership and engagement on global issues. In addition to her academic and leadership accomplishments, Ly is a dedicated field hockey player and creative artist whose poetry was published in the American Library of Poetry’s 2025 anthology. Through graphic design, writing, and storytelling, she uses creativity as a tool to inspire empathy, connection, and positive change.
“I want every student to feel heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference,” said incoming Student Trustee Lauren Ly. “Whether I am advocating for equity, collaborating with district leaders, or supporting my peers, I believe student voices have the power to create meaningful change. I am honored to serve as Student Trustee and look forward to helping ensure all students feel represented and supported.”
Ethan Ramirez, a rising senior at San Diego High School, is a dedicated student leader, athlete, and advocate for student voice and opportunity. A second-generation Mexican-American student, Ramirez has long recognized the transformative power of education and the important role schools play in shaping students’ futures. His commitment to student leadership began in middle school when he joined the district’s Student Advisory Board in seventh grade. Now entering his sixth year on the committee, he is the longest active-serving student member.
At San Diego High School, Ramirez serves as treasurer for Associated Student Body (ASB), helping lead fundraising efforts that generated more than $20,000 to support student activities and programs. He is also a varsity lacrosse starter and a key member of the school’s news team, where he works to ensure students stay informed and connected to campus life. Through athletics, student government, and media leadership, Ramirez has developed a strong passion for communication, advocacy, and protecting student well-being.
“As Student Trustee, I want to make sure students feel informed, supported, and represented,” said incoming Student Trustee Ethan Ramirez. “Every student deserves access to opportunities and to know their voice matters. Through athletics, student leadership, and district advocacy, I want to strengthen communication and help ensure students across San Diego Unified feel safe, heard, and empowered to succeed.”
Student trustees have preferential voting rights, meaning their votes are recorded in meeting minutes but do not count toward the final numerical outcome of board decisions. They can make motions, second motions, and place items on the agenda with support from another board member.
The board recognized the contributions of the outgoing student trustees Alina Nguyen of Hoover High and Ashley Ordaz of University City High during the June 9 ceremony (Thank you Student Trustees). Board President Richard Barrera stated “We are incredibly grateful to Alina and Ashley for their outstanding service and leadership as Student Trustees. Over the past year, they helped ensure student voices remained at the center of our decision-making, providing thoughtful perspectives on issues that matter most to young people. Their commitment to advocacy, service, and representing their peers has left a lasting impact on our district, and we are excited to see all they will accomplish in the future.”
Nguyen reflected on her service saying, “Throughout my time as Student Trustee, I learned that leadership is rooted in service to others. Representing the students of San Diego Unified has been a privilege, and I am proud of the ways we elevated student voice and helped shape important conversations. I am grateful for this experience and hopeful for the future because I know the next generation of student leaders is ready to make an impact.” She concluded by referencing a quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Ordez stated “There is something deeply inspiring and powerful about this position and is something not to be taken lightly. You need determination and curiosity to fully experience this journey. Standing up for all the students in our district was an honor to do."
San Diego Unified created student trustee positions in 2019 to ensure authentic student voice in board decision-making, adding a second position in 2022. Under district policy, at least one student trustee must attend a high school with 60% or higher free and reduced lunch program eligibility. Nguyen and Ordaz will be the 10th and 11th students to serve since the program began.
The student trustees receive the same $1,914.42 monthly compensation as adult board members and vote on agenda items alongside the seven-member board. Their role aligns with the district's Student Outcomes Focused Governance approach, which prioritizes transparency, accountability, and keeping students at the center of all decision-making.
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James Canning (He/Him)
Executive Director
Strategic Communications & Information
San Diego Unified School District
Mobile: 313-580-2845
Office: 619-725-5578
Email: Jcanning@sandi.net
4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103
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