Beaumont, CA – Newly elected Board Member Dr. Lanston M. Sylvester, 59, was sworn in on December 17, 2024 for the Beaumont Unified School District trustee area 1.
As a proud father of four children, Sylvester ran on a commitment to serving the students of Beaumont. “The most important task at hand is making sure our children are prepared and given the best opportunities to succeed. Our children need to be safe at our schools; given the proper resources to advance and benefit from policies established by the School Board,” he wrote in his candidate statement.
Sylvester comes with a robust professional and educational background. He is the president and director of Lanston Sylvester Ministries and a published author. Previously, Sylvester worked as a public school teacher, youth director, pastor, and civil service commissioner. He completed his Doctorates in African-American religious studies from Andrews University as well as conducted doctoral work in public health from Walden University. He obtained his Masters of Divinity and Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in history from Oakwood College, a historically Black institution in Huntsville, Alabama.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Sylvester as we continue to provide Beaumont families with exceptional learning experiences,” expressed District Superintendent Mays Kakish.
Serving alongside Sylvester is Board President Melissa Williamson, Board Vice President Jeff Brown, Board Member Susie Lara, and Board Member David Sanchez. Information on each Board Member and upcoming Board Meetings are available on the District website.