Banning USD Board Appoints New Trustee After Area 2 Vacancy

BANNING, CA — The Banning Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed Sharon “Liz” Huerta Brewster to fill the Trustee Area 2 vacancy during its regular meeting this week, following a public interview process involving four qualified candidates, district officials announced in a recent news release.

Huerta Brewster was administered the Oath of Office following her appointment and officially sworn in as a member of the Banning Unified School District Board of Trustees. The board voted 4-0 in favor of Brewster to fill the vacant seat.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome Liz to the Board,” said Board President Shelly Ruiz. “Throughout the interview process, Liz demonstrated a deep commitment to students, families, and public education. We look forward to the experience, perspective, and leadership she will bring as we continue working together to support student success across our District.”

The appointment becomes effective immediately. In accordance with the California Education Code, Huerta Brewster will serve until a successor is elected and seated following the November 2026 election.

She brings 11 years of experience serving students as an instructional paraprofessional in the Redlands Unified School District. She currently serves as President of the Redlands Educational Support Professionals Association, representing classified employees and advocating for educational support staff throughout the district.

In addition to her experience as an educator and union leader, Brewster brings experience in communications, employee advocacy, and governance through her service on a large representative board. She earned an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Chaffey College and has dedicated her career to supporting students and strengthening educational communities.

During her interview, Brewster shared that she hopes to bring her experience serving on a large governing board, along with her background in communications and community engagement, to support effective decision-making and strengthen connections between the district and community. She emphasized her passion for serving students and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

She shared a statement upon accepting her appointment:

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Banning community,” Brewster said. “As an educator and advocate, I have always believed that when we support students and staff, our schools thrive. I look forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Board of Trustees announced its intent to fill the vacancy through a provisional appointment process in May. Four qualified applicants participated in public interviews before the Board of Trustees during the June 10 meeting. Each candidate responded to four questions related to educational leadership, community engagement, student success, and governance.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank everyone who applied,” said Superintendent Terrence Davis. “It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in this space. Your willingness to serve shows how much you care about our community and the future of our schools.”

The Board of Trustees also expressed its sincere appreciation to Adriana Hubert, Vickie Sellers and Alfredo Rangel for their participation in the provisional appointment process. Their willingness to serve reflects a shared commitment to public education and the success of Banning Unified School District students.

The Trustee Area 2 vacancy was created following the resignation of Trustee Mayra Aguiano, who stepped down from the Board of Trustees after accepting a teaching position within Banning Unified School District. The Board of Trustees expressed its appreciation for Aguiano’s service and dedication to students, families, staff and the community during her tenure as a Trustee.