Newly elected and re-elected members of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees took the Oath of Office Wednesday during a ceremonial opening to the Board’s meeting on December 14, 2022. The meeting also served as the Board’s annual election of new officers for the coming year.
“As we transition to new leadership, I will continue our commitment and priority to the Basic Needs program that addresses food and housing insecurity. This, alongside a high-quality education, will be our focus as we increase access for our community,” said Trustee David Vela, who was elected by the Board to be the new Board President. “As the first LGBTQ person of color to serve as the LACCD Board President, I will dedicate my efforts to serving all our students. We are stronger together and I will carry this message to local community stakeholders and elected officials about the critical importance of advocating for our LACCD family.”
The Oath of Office was conducted for newly elected Trustee Sara Hernandez, Board Seat Four; and re-elected Trustees Steve Veres, Seat One, Dr. Gabriel Buelna, Seat Six; and Kelsey Iino, who was previously appointed for Seat Seven. Hernandez, Veres and Buelna trustees were each elected to four-year terms until 2026 with Iino elected for the remaining two-year term until 2024. Trustee Buelna was recognized for his leadership as Board President where he successfully navigated the passing of Measure LA and increased access to educational opportunities for the region.
Newly elected Trustee Sara Hernandez said she was grateful for the support and encouragement she received from the community during the election. “As a community college instructor and former LAUSD teacher, I can continue my work on improving education to better our communities,” said Trustee Hernandez. “I hope to advance a bold policy agenda that directly serves LACCD students by increasing pathways to high-quality and affordable college options for all Angelenos.”
Juliet Hidalgo
