Have you ever wondered who’s behind the important decisions within Irvine Unified School District (IUSD)? Meet the IUSD Board of Education, a dedicated group of leaders committed to ensuring that our more than 38,000 students are college, career, and life-ready. Elected by the citizens of their respective trustee areas, these Board members come together to represent and support the interests of the entire Irvine community, including our families, students, staff, and residents.
About the IUSD Board of Education
The Irvine Unified School District Board of Education is a five-member Board elected from residents within the school district boundaries, serving four-year terms. Known for open communication, the Board meets once to twice monthly. Meetings are televised and available on-demand in an effort to keep the community well-informed on school district programs, budgets, and direction. For more information on Board Meetings, click here.
The role of the Board is to serve as a policy-making body for the school district. The Board is charged with providing the best possible education for the children of the Irvine Unified School District in accordance with the desires of the community, as well as federal and state laws. Among the Board's numerous duties are the adoption of the annual budget, approval of expenditures, employment of personnel, approval of curriculum, textbooks, and courses of study, and approval of facility plans and construction contracts. Action can only be taken when the Board is meeting in a formal session with a majority of its members present.
Your IUSD Board Members
Cyril Yu, President (Trustee Area 3): Cyril Yu was elected in 2020 and is serving his first term on the Board. In 2024, he was selected as Board President. Prior to his election, Cyril served on the IUSD Finance Committee and played a key role in advocating for Measure E. He holds a political science degree from UC Berkeley and a law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law. Cyril is currently a Senior Deputy District Attorney for Orange County.
Paul Bokota, Clerk (Trustee Area 5): Re-elected for a third term in 2020, Paul Bokota serves as Board Clerk for 2024. He has long been involved with IUSD, including as chairperson of the Revenue Enhancement Committee. Paul is an in-house corporate counsel for the Hydrafacial Company and an active PTA member, having served as PTA president at Brywood Elementary.
Lauren Brooks (Trustee Area 1): Serving her third term, Lauren Brooks was re-elected in 2020. In 2019, she received the Marian Bergeson Award from the Orange County School Boards Association for her service to public education. Lauren began her education career as a science instructor and has held numerous volunteer roles, including serving on the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and the PTA. She was instrumental in initiating the annual student trip to Sacramento, where students engage with legislators about education.
Dr. Jeff Kim, EdD (Trustee Area 4): Dr. Kim joined the Board in 2022 and brings more than 20 years of experience in education, including as a middle and high school teacher, administrator, and instructional coach. He is an adjunct instructor at Cal State Fullerton and Vanguard University, where he helps prepare future educators. Dr. Kim earned his doctorate from USC and has been recognized for his leadership in civic education.
Katie McEwen (Trustee Area 2): Elected in 2022, Katie McEwen has been an active member of the IUSD community, volunteering in various roles since 2008. She previously taught English at Northwood High School and led the Woodbridge High School Career Café program, which introduced students to diverse career paths. Katie is a Stanford graduate and currently volunteers with acutely sick children through Ethan and Choco's Book Club at CHOC Hospital.
Learn more about the board of Education
Student Board Members
In addition to the elected Board members, IUSD is proud to have student Board members, a tradition established in 1980. The IUSD Board of Education and District staff greatly value the important role these student leaders play in representing their peers and the diverse needs of our students. While the elected Board members hold the authority to vote on matters, student representatives serve in an advisory capacity, actively participating in discussions and providing valuable insights. Their input is appreciated and helps ensure that the student voice remains a key part of the decision-making process.
Click here to learn more about the 2024-25 Student Board Members.