Yongwei 'Victor' Zhang is New Saratoga Union School District Trustee

Saratoga resident Yongwei “Victor” Zhang has been appointed to the Saratoga Union School District Board of Trustees.

Zhang was selected by the board Tuesday evening from a field of 12 candidates to assume a seat that will become vacant in November when current Trustee Cindy Ruby retires after 20 years of service on the board.

Zhang will serve until the term of office of the seat expires in November 2016.

Zhang has been actively involved in Saratoga schools since moving to the district five years ago, the district said in a news release.

He has served on the Saratoga Education Foundation as a school-site representative, Redwood Middle School Site Council as a parent representative and co-chairperson, in the classroom as a volunteer, and as a Math Olympiad coach.

Zhang brings with him an extensive background in engineering, project management, and budget oversight, the district said.

Zhang is a graduate of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and received a doctoral degree from Johns Hopkins University in mechanical engineering. 

He has worked in several high tech companies and start-ups and has lived in the United States for the past 20 years. He has two children in the school district.

“As a board member, I will fully utilize my background and experience to work with the district on issues dear to the parents and residents of the Saratoga community,” Zhang said. “I will always give my utmost care in making all decisions. Although I grew up in China, the United States is my adopted home of the past 20 years. This country has given me so many opportunities.  My children are thriving in their schools. I want to do more to give back to this country and our community.”

Superintendent Lane Weiss said the district was fortunate that many community members stepped forward to be considered for the board vacancy.

"I am happy to welcome and work with Victor Zhang and our school board on continuing our important work on behalf of our students, staff, families, and community.

"Victor's sensitivity to our students' needs, community interests and concerns, and the essential role of high quality public education will make him an excellent community representative and governance team member. We are grateful that Victor has stepped forward to join our team.”

The vacancy on the SUSD board occurred when not enough candidates filed papers to run for one open seat in the upcoming Nov. 6 election. Trustees decided not to hold an election and chose to instead appoint someone to replace Ruby. Zhang will begin his four-year term Dec. 11.

Ruby, who served on the five-member board for 20 years, stepped down to spend more time with her family and grandchild and decided not to run for re-election.

Trustee Arati Nagaraj, who took office two years ago, was also automatically reappointed to her post due to no candidates stepping forward. In November 2010, Nagaraj succeeded Samantha Cheng, who resigned.

Residents who live within district boundaries, who are 18 years of age or older and are registered to vote applied for the position by the Sept. 28 deadline.

Zhang will help lead the kindergarten through eighth-grade district that includes three elementary schools and one middle school.

All 12 candidates' applications are a matter of public record and are available online by clicking on the links for the SUSD Board of Education Oct.  22 and Oct. 23 SUSD board meetings.