The Ventura Unified School District is proud to introduce Sydney Traub as Co-Chair of the School Closures Advisory Committee.

Sydney is a 9th grader at Foothill Technology High School and previously attended Montalvo Arts Academy and Anacapa Middle School. As a current student, she brings a valuable perspective to the committee, offering insight into the day-to-day experiences of students and how decisions may impact them.

In addition to her role on the committee, Sydney serves as Freshman Vice President at Foothill Technology High School. Through this leadership role, she has developed skills in communication, collaboration, and representing her peers.

Sydney recognizes that the work of the committee is both important and challenging. As a student and sibling of another VUSD student, she understands the concerns many families may be feeling as this process moves forward.

“To help keep the committee focused on the facts and data, I will encourage everyone to set aside their personal views for the betterment of our district.”

She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful and productive environment during discussions, sharing:

“I will also help by implementing the three most basic rules of classrooms: be respectful, listen to others, and take turns.”

Sydney believes one of the committee’s key responsibilities is to balance community input with a clear understanding of the data.

“While the opinions and statements of our community are welcomed and encouraged, the committee must remember that we need to see and hear the facts as well because, at the end of the day, we must give the board our best recommended course of action that will better our community and give future students the best education possible.”

She acknowledges that this could be a difficult process, but remains hopeful.

“This process is a very difficult and heart-heavy one. We as the committee have a very hard job ahead of us, but I know with our amazing members, board support, and community families, we can accomplish this difficult task.”

VUSD appreciates Sydney’s leadership and the important perspective she brings to this process. Her voice helps ensure that students remain at the center of these conversations as the committee continues its work.

For more information about the School Closures Advisory Committee, including meeting materials and opportunities for public input, please visit the School Closures webpage, .