From left: Lune Crone-Baron, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones, Liza Rankin, Gina Topp, Aayush Muthuswamy, Lola van der Neut, Michelle Sarju, Evan Biggs, Brandon Hersey, Vivian Song and Lisa Rivera.
The School Board welcomed their new directors last week. Gina Topp and Evan Briggs were sworn in for their first term along with re-elected Directors Liza Rankin and Lisa Rivera. Brandon Hersey, Michelle Sarju, and Vivian Song Maritz are in the middle of their four-year terms. When the school board zones were redistricted in 2022, Rivera’s District 2 expanded to include Magnolia. She was sworn in by the outgoing District 6 Director, Leslie Harris (not shown in the photo). Rivera said it was an honor to be re-elected and understands the gravity of what will surely be a pivotal year.
“Despite the challenges we’re facing as a district, there’s always excitement around bringing fresh voices and perspectives to the board,” she said.
She aims to meet the needs of students in every school by collaborating with the fellow directors, including the new student board directors, to support the superintendent and balance the budget.
“I will be looking for new and authentic ways to bring student voice into our decision making processes, while also amplifying the voices of our most marginalized students and families,” Rivera said.