School Board Trustee James Aguilar represents students and teachers on the Board of Trustees at SLUSD to affect bold and unapologetic change for the greater community, and for the generations that will inherit the consequences of the decisions of the past.

James has spent his life as a vocal and visible advocate for students and public educators. James has worked for nonprofits and organizations devoted to public education advocacy, and as a classroom teacher improving the educational experience for all. James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at San Francisco State University, and served as the Executive Vice President of Associated Students at San Francisco State, an organization devoted to student voice and social justice - in his time at the university. He also worked as the first student to serve as a director for the San Francisco State Foundation. He attended UC Berkeley for Teacher Education, and is currently finishing his Master of Education in Inspired Teaching and Learning at National University.

James was raised by a union family in Oakland, and attended Oakland public schools - first at Glenview Elementary, then at Edna Brewer Middle School. James' family sought a new beginning, arriving in San Leandro, where James would blossom to become the person he is today. For James, his education at San Lorenzo High and role as the district's first Student Board Member was pivotal to his growth and his ultimate decision to run for the Board of Trustees just after walking the stage.

In 2022, James was re-elected to the San Leandro School Board, and currently serves as a Director at the California School Boards Association. In addition to his professional work, he has served as a school site council member, a Senior Director at San Leandro 2050,  a Director for the SF State Foundation, and an active community member. James also serves as a standing committee member for the California Democratic Party, worked on several national and state campaigns - including Pete for America, and was an Assembly and State Senate intern. He currently teaches at San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo Unified School District.