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Our History

The Asian Pacific Islander School Board Members Association (APISBMA) was founded on a vision of advocacy, representation, and leadership for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities within public education. What began as a grassroots movement in 1988 has grown into a powerful statewide network dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and the academic success of AANHPI students across California.

Foundational Years: 1988-2002

In 1988, a trailblazing group of AANHPI school board members came together to ensure their communities were represented in educational decision-making across California. On December 1, 1989, APISBMA held one of its first formal meetings, with notable leaders such as Mike Honda and Leland Yee in attendance. The organization was officially incorporated later that month, on December 18, 1989.

During these formative years, APISBMA established its bylaws, pursued formal recognition from the California School Boards Association (CSBA), and laid a strong foundation for ongoing leadership development, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Dec 2024 CSBA Mixer 20
Early Leadership Highlights

  • ​1989–1992: Richard Tanaka, East Side Union High School District, San Jose
     

  • 1992–1996: Jean Quan, Oakland Unified School District
     

  • 1996–1997: Sophie Wong, Alhambra USD, and Melodie Lew, San Mateo-Foster City SD (Co-Presidents)
     

  • 1997–1998: Melodie Lew, President
     

  • 1999–2000: Abe Bautista, President
     

  • 2001: Steven S. Choi, Leadership Role
     

  • 2003: Cynthia Chang, Cupertino Union SD, President

​​​Key Events and Advocacy in the 1990s

Throughout the 1990s, APISBMA played a vital role in elevating AANHPI issues at both the state and national levels:

  • 1994: Jean Quan chaired a featured session at the CSBA Annual Education Conference
     

  • May 1995: Hosted the Asian Pacific American Education Symposium in Los Angeles
     

  • May 1998: Organized the Asian Pacific Islander Education Conference in San Diego, chaired by Melodie Lew
     

  • December 2002: Co-sponsored the First National Asian Pacific American School Board Conference in San Francisco with APAICS and CSBA
     

In 1997, APISBMA released a landmark policy document in partnership with CSBA titled “Asian/Pacific Islander Students: New Cultures, New Generations, New Issues – Policy Implications,” highlighting the importance of culturally responsive policies.

Formal Establishment and Growth: 2003–Present

Though its roots reach back to 1988, APISBMA was formally established in 2003 through a partnership with CSBA. Founding trustees from Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Central California came together to form a lasting structure focused on confronting the invisibility of AANHPI students in state education policy, leadership, and data systems.

APISBMA Event Mixer June 2025
Signature Milestones

  • 2005: Launched the AANHPI Leadership Pipeline
     

  • 2007: Recognized as an official CSBA Affinity Group
     

  • 2011: Introduced the AANHPI Education Equity Agenda, prioritizing disaggregated data, language access, and culturally responsive teaching
     

  • 2016: Published Beyond the Model Minority, spotlighting the experiences of Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, and refugee students

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  • 2021: APISBMA helped shape the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum to ensure the AAPI unit was inclusive and representative of the community’s diversity.
     

  • 2023: Released the Ethnic Studies Implementation Toolkit and Workshops to support inclusive curriculum adoption

Advancing Ethnic Studies

In 2021, APISBMA played a pivotal role in the passage of California’s Ethnic Studies graduation requirement (AB 101). As the California Department of Education (CDE) was tasked with developing the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC), APISBMA ensured that the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) unit was inclusive and reflective of the community’s diversity. Our efforts were central to shaping a curriculum that honors the histories and voices of AANHPI students.

Education Agenda for the 1990s: Our Founding Vision

Drafted in 1993 by APISBMA leaders, educators, and civil rights advocates, the Asian Pacific Islander School Board Member Education Agenda for the 1990s established twelve guiding goals that continue to influence APISBMA’s mission today:

  1. Build a support network for AANHPI school board members
     

  2. Encourage AANHPI individuals to seek school board positions
     

  3. Promote AANHPI participation in CSBA leadership
     

  4. Advocate for AANHPI students in schools and communities
     

  5. Ensure curricula reflect AANHPI histories and perspectives
     

  6. Support high-quality bilingual education programs
     

  7. Secure funding for immigrant student programs
     

  8. Ensure fairness and legal rights in school discipline for AANHPI students
     

  9. Promote parent engagement and empowerment
     

  10. Increase AANHPI representation in school staffing
     

  11. Address interethnic conflict with multicultural education and conflict resolution
     

  12. Build coalitions with other organizations to ensure equitable, quality education for all

Our Commitment Today

From its earliest meetings in 1989 to its formal establishment in 2003 and through its continued leadership today, APISBMA remains a driving force for educational equity. We are committed to ensuring that AANHPI students, families, and leaders are seen, heard, and empowered to help shape the future of public education in California.

Hands Raised in Classroom
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