IUSD is excited to introduce our 2024-25 Student Board Members, who represent each of the District’s five comprehensive high schools. 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 of Education Members hold the authority to cast votes at Board of Education meetings, the student representatives serve in an advisory capacity. They have the chance to actively participate in discussions and provide valuable insights.
Please take a moment to learn more about our 2024-25 student board members:
ISHAAN GAIKWAD / IRVINE HS
Ishaan Gaikwad, a senior at Irvine High School, is thrilled to represent his school at Board meetings this year. He is passionate about learning about and understanding the world we live in, through politics and economics. He is a seasoned member and leader in Irvine High’s Model United Nations club, participating in several local conferences and winning awards along the way. Ishaan is a member of Irvine High’s National Economics Challenge competition team as well. Beyond school, Ishaan volunteers with the World Affairs Council of Orange County and is an avid follower of cricket. He is excited to represent the Irvine High student body’s interests at Board meetings this year.
Charlotte Pham / Woodbridge HS
Charlotte Pham is a senior at Woodbridge High School, where she is honored to have been appointed as School Board Representative. This is her second year serving on ASB, having served as Performing Arts Commissioner during her first term. She is excited to expand her role this year representing Woodbridge as a whole, drawing from her experience in various groups on campus to provide the School Board with a well-rounded perspective. In addition to her involvement in music as a drum major and cellist for Entertainment Corps and Philharmonic Orchestra, respectively, Charlotte is entering her third year as a hurdler on the varsity track and field team. She also serves as the current president of the Key Club and Vietnamese Student Association at Woodbridge, and hopes to use the coming year as an opportunity to encourage student contributions to the community and represent the Vietnamese side of her identity. Outside of school, Charlotte enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and recreating her favorite songs on the piano. She is grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as Woodbridge’s representative this year, and looks forward to using it to help uplift student voices.
Kobi Tran / Portola HS
Kobi Tran, a senior at Portola High School, will be serving as the Student Representative for Portola High as part of ASB. He is grateful for the opportunity to take part in Board meetings this year and to provide ideas and opinions on behalf of his school. He is excited to get to work on creating a unique, enjoyable environment for all learners this school year. He always seeks the opinions of his student body to be able to support them in any way he can, with the end goal of fostering his school as one diverse community. Kobi has actively participated in his Student Council for the last two years. He is also a Team Captain for Portola's Track and Field team and leads Portola's Vietnamese-American Club. Outside of school, Kobi has served as an intern for the office of Vice Mayor Larry Agran and has experience in city council meetings, policies, and passionately engaging with Irvine's community. He is currently an Explorer Lieutenant for the Irvine Police Explorer program, where he interacts with the community at various events regularly. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his friends and family, working out, and watching football as a lifelong Los Angeles Rams fan.
Chloe Tsai / University HS
Chloe Tsai, a senior at University High School, carries several leadership roles on campus. This is her second year as a member of ASB. She previously served as the Junior Class Vice President, and this year she is serving as the Senior Class President and as a representative on the School Board. Chloe has been actively involved in the student council throughout her high school career and is the founder of the Senior Smiles Club at UHS. Outside of school, she extends her commitment to this club while playing the game of mahjong with senior citizens at local senior centers. In being a part of many clubs on campus, Chloe has developed a strong passion for student leadership in her community. She is also entering her fourth year on the pep squad, excited to spend her Friday nights cheering on students at UHS with her friends. Outside of school, Chloe spends her time working on art and graphic design, baking, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends and family. She is both excited and incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to participate in IUSD School Board meetings, and is looking forward to a memorable school year!
Zaira Ulmer / Northwood HS
Zaira Ulmer, a senior at Northwood High School, has been selected as her school's Student Representative, marking her second year on the Associated Student Body (ASB). In this role, she amplifies the voices of her fellow students and collaborates with the President of the Northwood Student Forum to gather student feedback during monthly meetings, while also assisting with various ASB events. Zaira is deeply engaged in the school community, serving on the board of the very first Northwood Black Student Union (BSU), which provides a supportive space for Black students. Additionally, she plays a leadership role in the tech theater program, helping to bring creative visions to life on stage for the enjoyment of students, parents, and the wider community. Zaira is also a committed member of her mock trial team, with aspirations of reaching the finals this year. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is a passionate musician, dedicating her time to writing, creating, and performing music, as well as playing the guitar and piano at various events, including the OC Fair. She actively participates in her community by volunteering for the organization of the OC Juneteenth event at Great Park for three consecutive years and seeks out other volunteer opportunities whenever possible. In her leisure time, Zaira enjoys baking, thrift shopping, and gaming. She feels honored to be part of the 2024-25 IUSD Student Board.
For more information on the Student Board, please visit iusd.org/StudentBoardMembers