Controversy Over Alleged Conflict Of Interest By CUSD School Trustee Anjali Kausar In Vallco Votes

New controversy in the Cupertino Union School District has sparked competing petitions against and for School Board Trustee Anjali Kausar.

Parents claim that Anjali Kausar's campaign endorsements for and against Cupertino Ballot Measures in the November election highlighted an unacceptable conflict of interest between her elected office as school board trustee and her paid CEO position with the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, and are asking her to step down from the school role. This follows other recent controversies in CUSD over a housing development plan, a PR firm contract, and an investigation into a District newsletter that featured a board member during the election.

The parent petition points to Kausar's Board votes on agreements with the Vallco developer, while holding a paid position with the Chamber to promote the Vallco project, presenting the question of whose interest was being served. The conflict of interest could appear in other school business that connects with the business members of the Chamber of Commerce. The petition can be seen here:

https://www.change.org/p/anjali-kausar-must-step-down-from-cusd-school-board

A supporter claims that the parent discontent with Kausar is politics over her promotion of the Vallco redevelopment, and has responded with a competing petition:

https://www.change.org/p/cupertino-majority-support-anjali-kausar

Anjali Kausar is currently the President of the CUSD Board and her term expires in 2018.