Board Members
The Beaumont Unified School District Board Members are publicly elected officials. They are responsible 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 in 2022 and brings both a focus on technology and a parent’s perspective. Brown served in the U.S. Army for eight years as a communication specialist. With this experience, he launched a decades-long career in the technology sector, while also remaining involved in the community. Brown is passionate about District's CTE Pathways and is motivated to see career options expand for students. He is inspired by alternative learning programs and is excited to see them expand, and further serve the diverse needs of our students, families, and community. Brown believes that a traditional high school education is amazing for some, but that 21st Century Learning Institute and Middle College High School also offer incredible new opportunities for students.
Brown completed his Bachelors and Masters of Science in Information Technology from Colorado State University. He currently serves in a management role at another school district. Brown has been a resident of Beaumont for 22 years and has a son who attends Beaumont schools.
Board Vice President Dr. Lanston Sylvester
End of Year Term | 2028
Bio currently unavailable.Board Clerk David Sanchez
End of Year Term | 2028
David Sanchez joined 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. He 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 6-9. His 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 the Banning Unified School District.
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 as a Board Member, 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 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, 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
Susie Lara has made serving students and the community a life passion. She has lived in Beaumont with her husband, Mike Lara, who is also a lifelong resident. They both have two children who are Beaumont High School graduates.Education is important to Lara, and so is being involved in her children's lives. She believes the two go hand in hand, so it's important for her to take an active role in education. When her children were younger, she 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.
Lara earned her Associate in Science at Riverside City College before entering the workforce at the County of Riverside, where she stayed for fifteen years. It was then that her and her husband decided she would stay home to devote time to raising their children.
As a former Beaumont USD parent, Lara feels she is sensitive to how the decisions of the Board and District administration may impact students, families, and the community at large. She is 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, Lara sees her role on the Board to bridge the gap between home, school, and community.
Board Member Melissa Williamson
End of Year Term | 2026
Melissa Williamson is enthusiastic about serving on the Beaumont Unified School District Board. She is passionate about serving the community and ensuring that public education positively impacts the community's well-being. She initially gained her appreciation for education from her mother, a special education and elementary school teacher of 33 years.Williamson's 23 years of experience in the field of early education has given her valuable insight into the importance of social-emotional wellness for students, parent involvement, and student achievement; leading to graduation and career/college readiness. She started her career in 1999 as a teacher in the non-profit sector. Williamson has also 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 her greatest joys is serving students and families, knowing that she positively can impact their educational career.
Williamson's husband her has three children. She loves her community and time with her children and three dogs.
Williamson holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she earned an Associate Degree in Child Development from Crafton Hills College . Williamson also has a program director permit through the California Department of Teacher’s Credentialing, authorizing her to lead state and federally funded early childhood programs.
In addition to Williamson's work in public education, she also serves 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.