On November 11, 2025, 15 Lick-Wilmerding High School students sat down with the LWHS Board of Trustees in an effort to foster a stronger connection between the students and the Board.
The Board—comprised of 20 parents of current and former students, as well as alumni—oversees the school’s long-term well-being and direction, including financial stability and overall mission. The Board is split up into eight sub-committees, each division targeting a specific subset of LWHS’s needs. As part of their eight-annual meetings, the Board invites members from the community in an effort to ensure trustees remain in touch with the school’s environment and evolving needs.
In the recent meeting, students, Matthew Oakland, Interim Dean of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging and JR Arimboanga, Director of Student Inclusion and Ethnic Studies Program, were asked to join Board members. Altogether, the meeting unified the Board members, 15 students, Oakland, Arimboanga and Head of School Raj Mundra.
Following a shared meal, Oakland and Ariamboanga presented on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Beloved Community” philosophy—a vision of a global, interconnected society free from poverty, racism and hate. Students and Board members then split into small groups to discuss three core questions: What helps belonging flourish at LWHS? Where do we see barriers or gaps? And, what might bridge those gaps?
“Our small group discussions were really a highlight,” attendee Siddharth Chibber ’26 said. “Board members were really open to listening to our perspectives.” After the discussions, students left for the official board meeting to proceed.
“Our November 11 session with a group of LWHS students was a great opportunity to get a first-hand perspective of how the LWHS mission and values are lived by our students.” Board President Lina Garcia said. “We are looking forward to repeating this type of experience in the future.”
Board member and Parents’ Association President Yvonne Perez-Sallabury reciprocated the productive sentiments. “The conversation made me reflect on our students’ current experiences and how we can continue to build relationships with one another. It was a beautiful exchange of ideas and perspectives,” she said.
Students also expressed sentiments that the Board felt like a more active part of the community. “This meeting really humanized them for me…these are people who are a part of our community,” Elissa Caridad ’27 said.
“We also talked about the political climate at LWHS…I know some student leaders felt unsure about how those conversations went,” Chibber said, explaining that some students disagreed with how to frame LWHS politically.
When asked about what could be improved, Rana Lui-Kwan ’28, expressed hope for continued student involvement, for “more collaborative” meetings.
LWHS students have previously been offered the opportunity to engage with the Board, including at a dinner this past school year with Mundra and Student Council. “I think having more of this dialogue…these types of conversations are so important,” Mundra said.
According to Mundra, there are currently plans to continue this collaboration, including a lunch, where trustees would join a wider group of students during the school day. Additional efforts to increase student-Board collaboration and strengthen community are underway.
