Alex Bautista Sanchez has joined the Sonoma County Board of Education as its first student trustee in at least 25 years. As a 12th grade student at Amarosa Academy, Bautista is a direct participant in the educational programs overseen by the county board’s five elected trustees. The board looks forward to Bautista sharing updates and student perspectives from the Amarosa campus, and lending his voice to trustees’ deliberations.

As a student trustee, Bautista participates in board meetings and may cast an advisory vote.

During his first meeting as a trustee on Thursday, Nov. 6, Bautista’s update on Amarosa included a recap of parent-teacher conferences and Spirit Week activities that included Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events. His requests for the campus included additional resources for the school’s culinary program and the possibility of starting a basketball team. 

Bautista talked about anxiety the Latino community is facing with stepped-up Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations taking place nationwide and emphasized the need for community members to be aware of their rights.

“Children don’t know their rights. It’s a scary situation to face with armed men just detaining people because they look different,” Bautista said during his comments. “It’s important to spread awareness” of people’s rights, he said.

Bilingual and bicultural, Bautista lives in Windsor and shows remarkable dedication to his education, commuting to school daily by combining a bike ride, train, and bus. Outside of school, he works at an auto body shop after class and spends weekends learning landscaping, farming, and light construction from a former teacher. Passionate about immigrant rights, Bautista is currently organizing a student presentation on the topic in collaboration with school staff.

Known for his strong work ethic, kindness, and integrity, Bautista is respected by students and staff alike for his honesty, perseverance, and enthusiasm.

The Sonoma County Board of Education and Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter enthusiastically welcomed Bautista to the board.

"It’s been a goal of the board to have a trustee representing the students we serve,” said Sonoma County Board of Education President Gina Cuclis. “Hearing their perspective at each monthly meeting is vital in doing our work to ensure we’re providing what students need. Alex was selected by his peers to be their voice on our board. It’s a major responsibility, and we’re honored that he accepted this important leadership role."

Carter expressed gratitude for Bautista’s service to the board and his fellow students.

“Students are at the center of our mission here at SCOE,” said Carter, who as county superintendent serves as ex-officio to the board. “Alex’s reputation as a leader at Amarosa is well-known at the county office, and I couldn’t think of a better choice to represent the student perspective.”