County Board of Education Appoints Student Members for 2026–27 School Year

PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— The Contra Costa County Board of Education has appointed rising juniors Valeria Gonzalez-Sandoval and Melanie Hernandez-Rios as student members for the 2026–27 school year. They were selected from a competitive pool of 59 eligible applicants representing 12 schools across six school districts in Contra Costa County.

Gonzalez-Sandoval is a student at Alhambra High School in the Martinez Unified School District (MUSD). A member of her school’s Mock Trial team, varsity girls lacrosse team, drama club, and student leadership program, she currently serves as her class vice president. Gonzalez-Sandoval previously represented students on the MUSD Budget Advisory Committee, where she provided feedback on proposed budget reductions and advocated for maintaining mental health and college and career counseling services.

Hernandez-Rios attends Pittsburg High School in the Pittsburg Unified School District. She is passionate about student wellness, environmental justice, leadership, and equity. She serves as president of her school’s Environmental Club, is an Earth Team intern, participates in the California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program, and is involved in athletics, band, and other student leadership activities.

“We are proud to welcome Valeria and Melanie to the Board,” Contra Costa County Board of Education President Sarah Butler said. “Both students bring strong leadership, thoughtful perspectives, and a deep commitment to representing their peers. Their voices will help ensure that student experiences and insights are reflected in our work.”

As student members of the CCCBOE, Gonzalez-Sandoval and Hernandez-Rios will participate in board meetings, share input on issues impacting students, and collaborate with board members. They will also cast a preferential vote on motions before the Board, which allows them to formally express their position, though these votes do not count toward the final outcome.

Their first meeting will be held on August 12.

The selection process was led by an ad hoc committee composed of Board President Butler and Vice President Yazmin Llamas. Applications were initially reviewed and ranked by CCCOE staff who work closely with youth. Fourteen students advanced to interviews conducted over three days before final recommendations were made.

Gonzalez-Sandoval and Hernandez-Rios were selected for their leadership, commitment to service, and dedication to elevating student voice across the county.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a student board member for the Contra Costa County Board of Education,” Gonzalez-Sandoval said. “I look forward to collaborating with the board and my fellow student representative to foster a positive learning environment across the county. This position comes with great responsibility, and I am excited to serve as a dedicated voice for our student body.”

Gonzalez-Sandoval said she hopes to use her role to strengthen student advocacy, promote inclusivity, and help ensure students across the county have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. She also hopes to gain a deeper understanding of educational policy and governance while representing the diverse perspectives of her peers.

“I am honored to serve as a student member of the Contra Costa County Board of Education,” Hernandez-Rios said. “I’m hoping to ensure that all student voices are heard, because every student’s experience matters. I am excited to contribute to CCCBOE by addressing students’ needs, advocating for student wellness, and representing the diverse perspectives of students across the county. I look forward to working with the Board to support the success of students, helping make school a positive experience for all.”

Hernandez-Rios said she plans to advocate for mental health resources, wellness supports, educational equity, and environmental sustainability while giving students from all backgrounds opportunities to be heard in county-level decision-making.

About Contra Costa County Office of Education 

One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges. 

CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.