Ela Schulz, a student at UCSB, has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Board of Directors.

Eight candidates applied for the position, although two withdrew. Interviews with the remaining six applicants were held at two consecutive special board meetings.

Each prospective trustee was given the opportunity to answer a list of questions and share their interest in serving on the IVCSD Board.

After deliberation among the board members, and opportunities for public comment, the IVCSD Board voted to appoint Schulz to the post. She was sworn in during IVCSD’s special meeting on Feb. 8.

Schulz, who will serve out the term’s remaining two years, until December 2024, is a second-year UCSB student studying history and political science.

She is an advocate for safety within the Isla Vista community and for making housing more affordable.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve Isla Vista and come up with creative, innovative solutions that will make the community happier, healthier, and safer for future generations,” she said.

“I am very proud of the overall board application process. We had six very strong candidates to interview,” said Marcos Aguilar, IVCSD Board president. “It was a unique challenge to juggle so many good options for our future.

“In appointing Ela to the board, I see the obvious potential for the ways that our board can better represent, serve, and reach the community,”