FONTANA, CA – Jurupa Hills High School junior Ashley Suarez has been chosen to serve as Fontana Unified’s Board of Education student representative for the 2025–26 school year, as the District continues its commitment to student empowerment and shaping future leaders.

Suarez was selected following a competitive application and interview process with the Board on April 23. In her role as student representative, she will provide the Board with valuable insight on behalf of the District’s student body.

“I ran for student board member because I would love to have the privilege and honor of representing every single one of the 33,000 students who attend Fontana Unified School District,” said Suarez, who describes herself as an advocate for equal and accessible education for all. “Fontana has given me so many opportunities and has really welcomed me to their community, and I want to give back and help support the District.”

For years, Fontana Unified’s student board member has played a vital role in representing student interests at monthly public Board meetings, participating in discussions, sharing updates on school activities, and contributing to the decision-making process on key educational matters.

To be considered, applicants submitted a written essay and two letters of recommendation. Five finalists were then selected to interview with the Board of Education during a special meeting.

As the oldest of four children in her family, Suarez said she feels she has naturally developed characteristics that have prepared her for the student board member position. The three-time Honor Roll student has taken on leadership roles at Jurupa Hills High as the acting Associated Student Body (ASB) and Class of 2026 Vice President, as well as in the District – serving on Fontana Unified’s Local Control and Accountability Plan Stakeholder’s Committee and Superintendent Student Advisory Council.

Suarez transferred to Fontana Unified to join the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. As student board member, she said she wants to ensure students of all ages have access to resources and programs like IB that empower them to reach their full potential and prepare them for college and careers.

“I am fully committed to working alongside the Board, our educators, and families to ensure every FUSD student can receive a good education, preparing them for their future place in the world,” Suarez said.

Suarez participates in a wide range of extracurriculars, including the Hispanic Latino Association, California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Committee, and peer tutoring.

“Ashley Suarez exemplifies the leadership, determination, and passion we strive to cultivate in all our students. Her dedication to serving others and advocating for her fellow students makes her an outstanding choice to represent the voices of our student body,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “Her leadership and insight will help shape decisions that impact students across the District, and we look forward to the perspective she will bring to the Board.”

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FUSD_SUAREZ1: Jurupa Hills High School junior Ashley Suarez was appointed Fontana Unified’s 2025-26 Student Board Member during a special Board of Education meeting on April 23. She will serve as the voice of more than 33,000 students across the District.