Students step into leadership roles at RUSD Civics Day

REDLANDS, Calif. – More than 30 students from Citrus Valley High School, Redlands High School, Redlands East Valley High School and Orangewood High School participated in the annual Civics Day event with Redlands Unified School District on Feb. 5, 2026.

Students gained firsthand experience in district operations and learned the significance of active citizenship, local government and the democratic process. District officials said the program aligns with RUSD’s “Portrait of a Graduate: EMPOWER” framework, including effective communication, collaboration and digital citizenship. Students practiced civil discourse, explored diverse perspectives and strengthened their understanding of the role of civic leaders.

The day began with tours of district facilities, including the Service Center Warehouse and the Child Nutrition Services (CNS) central kitchen. Students sampled potential new school meal items, including a California roll sushi bowl, and shared feedback with nutrition services staff.

Next, participants gathered at the district boardroom to shadow district leaders and participate in a mock school board meeting. Students were assigned roles as board members or cabinet officials. They debated topics including a districtwide cell phone policy, dress code guidelines, AI policy and a four-day school week. The simulation also included public comment and board discussion.

One of those students, Aubrey Schan, a Redlands East Valley High School senior and current RUSD Student Board Trustee, was part of the executive cabinet in the role of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

“It was really cool to see how much everything goes into making a decision that you make at the board meetings,” Schan said.

Although she regularly participates in board meetings in her trustee role, Schan said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the layers of collaboration and consideration behind each agenda item.

“It’s not just the board voting … it’s also cabinet members putting their input on so many different aspects on what goes into one simple policy. There’s just so much going on that you don’t see, and that I got to appreciate today.”

Another participant, Redlands High School student Alexander Volk, said the experience offered a firsthand look at how district leaders evaluate complex issues and balance competing priorities.

“Civics Day was a really cool and valuable experience for me. I got to serve as deputy superintendent, which meant I was part of the executive cabinet,” Volk said.

As part of the mock board meeting, Volk and his peers prepared a presentation about artificial intelligence in schools and advocated for the responsible use of AI in student spaces.

“Presenting to the board gave us a unique perspective on how these meetings actually work and how decisions are made,” Volk said. “What stood out to me most was the impact of those decisions and how carefully you have to weigh the benefits and risks.”

Civics Day was organized in collaboration with the Optimist Club of Redlands. Apart from the RUSD centered portion, an additional 50 students also toured civic and civil service facilities in Redlands and Highland to learn about the broader network of community services.

The Optimist Club of Redlands provided lunch for all participants at the American Legion.

This article was written based off a media release from Redlands Unified School District Communications Department.