Carlos Vazquez, a senior at San Marcos High School, has been appointed the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s (SBUSD) student board member for the 2025-26 school year. 

Vazquez succeeds Erick Gonzalez Ramirez, a recent graduate of Santa Barbara High School, who served with distinction during his term, the district said.

Vazquez brings leadership experience and commitment to student advocacy to his new role.

He is a current member of the Santa Barbara Youth Council; has been president of his AAPLE Academy class the past three years; and is co-president of the San Marcos MEChA chapter, an organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Latino culture on campus.

Ardent about amplifying youth voices in schools and across the broader community, Vazquez said he is committed to fostering diverse and inclusive school environments, where every student feels represented and supported.

He hopes to focus on students and educators working collaboratively to build a culture of belonging, ultimately leading to academic success.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as the student board member and represent the voices of students across our district,” said Vazquez. “I believe our students thrive when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued.

“I look forward to working with the School Board to promote inclusive, collaborative school communities where every student is supported and empowered to succeed.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos Vazquez to the Santa Barbara Unified School Board,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “His dedication to student voice and his impressive leadership experience will be invaluable as we continue to work towards creating supportive and equitable learning environments for all our students.”