Board Members
About
The Beaumont Unified School District Board Members are publicly elected officials. They hold a large responsibility to ensure the District upholds the priorities of their voters. They achieve this by collaborating as a governance team alongside the superintendent. Each board member holds a single vote, meaning their authority is held collectively, not as an individual.
Board President Jeff Brown
End of Year Term | 2026
Jeff Brown joined Beaumont Unified as a school board member in 2022, bringing both a focus on technology and a parent’s perspective to the board. Jeff joined the US Army and served for 8 years as a communication specialist. With this experience, Jeff launched a decades-long career in technology while also remaining involved in the community.
Jeff is passionate about Beaumont Unified’s CTE Pathways and is motivated to see career options expand for the students of Beaumont Unified. Jeff is also inspired by alternative learning programs and is excited to see them expand and further serve the diverse needs of our students, families, and community. He believes that a traditional high school education is amazing for some, but that 21st Century and Middle College also offer incredible new opportunities for our students.
Jeff completed his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Information Technology from Colorado State University. Jeff currently serves in a management role in another local school district. He has been a resident of Beaumont for 22 years and has a son who attends Beaumont schools.
Board Vice President Dr. Lanston M. Sylvester
End of Year Term | 2028
Bio coming soon.
Board Clerk David Sanchez
End of Year Term | 2028
David Sanchez joined the Beaumont USD Board of Trustees in 2003. He brings the experience of being a teacher, a principal, and an advocate. Sanchez completed college at an early age and started teaching at 21. Sanchez is motivated to teach students but is especially driven to embrace special education programs so all students seek education.
Sanchez is the Principal of the New Horizons High School campus, which also includes the Banning Independent School, Banning Adult School, the Community Day school for K-5 students, and the Opportunity Program for grades six through nine. Sanchez's experience includes serving as a special education teacher for five years, a middle school teacher of history and science for nine years, and a high school biology teacher for nine years, all at Banning Unified.
Driven by the meaningful words of Enlightenment and Student Engagement, Sanchez enjoys taking those words to the reality of watching students acknowledge their self-worth and happiness.
He obtained his Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies from National University, a science degree and teaching credentials from UC Riverside, and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Administration from National University.
In addition to serving the Beaumont Board of Trustees, Sanchez is a member of the Riverside County School Board Association and served as its president for four years. He is an active volunteer for Friday Night Life (FNL) in Beaumont. His involvement with local schools also includes serving numerous school site councils, budget committees, and construction oversight committees. Sanchez has also served the following: Riverside Employer-Employee Partnership (a Vice President term), State Council for California Teachers Association, Negotiations Chair for Banning Teachers Association, and has operated PACs for candidates.
Sanchez has lived in Cherry Valley for over 23 years, raising his three children.
Board Member Susie Lara
End of Year Term | 2026
As a Board member of the Beaumont Unified School District, working on behalf of students and the community has been a passion of mine. I have lived in Beaumont with my husband, Mike, who is a lifelong resident of Beaumont. We have two children, both of whom graduated from Beaumont High School.
Education is important to me, and so is being involved in our children's lives. I believe the two go hand in hand, so it's been important for me to take an active role in education. When our children were younger, I was involved as a PTA President, School Site Council Representative, classroom volunteer at Palm Elementary School, and a Boundary Committee and Superintendent Advisory Council member.
I earned my Associate in Science at Riverside City College before entering the workforce at the County of Riverside, where I stayed for fifteen years. It was then that my husband and I decided for me to stay home to devote our time to raising our children.
As a former Beaumont USD parent, I feel that I am sensitive to how the decisions of the Board and District administration impact students, families, and the community at large. I am keenly aware of the necessity for balancing student needs and fiscal solvency within the District. The foundation of the District has always been home, school, and community. As a parent and active community member, my role on the board allows me to bridge the gap between home, school, and community.
Board Member Melissa Williamson
End of Year Term | 2026
I am enthusiastic about serving on the Beaumont School Board.
I am passionate about serving the community and ensuring that public education positively impacts our community's well-being. I initially gained my appreciation for education from my mother, a special education and elementary school teacher for 33 years.
My 23 years of experience in the field of Early Education have given me valuable insight into the importance of social-emotional wellness for students, parent involvement, and student achievement, leading to graduation and career/college readiness. I started my career in 1999 as a teacher in the non-profit sector. I have been with Colton Joint Unified School District for nine years as the Director of Child Development, overseeing the District’s Early Education programs. One of my greatest joys is serving students and families, knowing that we positively impact their educational career.
My husband and I have 3 children. My oldest is currently at Beaumont High School. We love our community and time with our children and three dogs.
I hold a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, I earned an Associate Degree in Child Development from Crafton Hills College . I also have my Program Director Permit through the California Department of Teacher’s Credentialing, authorizing me to lead state and federally funded early childhood programs.
In addition to my work in public education, I also serve on the Board of Directors for The Well Outreach Center, providing resources for the community of Yucaipa, such as clothing, professional counseling services, and trauma work.