Miller Creek school board race features 3 contenders

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Miller Creek School District Board of Trustees in the Nov. 5 election.

The candidates include incumbent Francesco Ruggeri, incumbent Alissa Chacko and Sivan Oyserman.

Ruggeri, a trustee since 2022, is a member of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee, a coach for the girls Miller Creek Soccer League and a board member of the Marinwood Waterdevils swim team. He is director of products at Salesforce and has a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering.

Ruggeri said he is running for reelection because he believes education is an essential part of the community. He said board members need to be able to analyze programs and hire teachers in a way that is impactful for students.

“I feel like we all need to take part in raising these young well-rounded adults,” said Ruggeri. “I think our district and our community deserves leaders who speak out on behalf of these kids.”

Chacko has served eight years on the board, including three terms as president. She did not respond to requests for an interview. According to a candidate statement filed with the county elections department, she is a parent and attorney. She has a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, formerly known as UC Hastings.

“I want to continue to apply my board experience, knowledge of the District as well as my professional training as an attorney to continue improving the educational experience in our schools,” her statement said. “I would be honored to earn your vote.”

Oyserman is a teacher and a member of the Marinwood Community Services District board. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in business from Drexel University.

Oyserman, a parent of two children enrolled in the district, said she is passionate about learning and achievement in students, educational equity and fostering a sense of belonging in schools.

“I view joining the school board as an opportunity to give back and contribute positively to the educational experience and journey of all students in the Miller Creek community,” Oyserman said.

Ruggeri said the main issue the district faces is maintaining fiscal solvency. He said he looks to balance meeting the needs of teachers and students with increasing savings and finding new financial opportunities.

“That is one of our major roles for the district and for the board,” Ruggeri said. “It’s been a few years of challenge as we move in and out of basic aid and it’s made forecasting somewhat challenging, but it’s something that I take an active part in.”

Oyserman said maintaining fiscal solvency while maintaining the “high educational standards” of the district is a challenge.

“There are more challenges on the horizon with the potential increase of our student population coupled with budgetary constraints,” Oyserman said. “I want to play a leading role in helping our teachers, district and families meet these challenges.

Chacko’s candidate statement also mentions budget constraints as a challenge, as well as anticipating increased enrollment, upgrading and possibly expanding facilities, a “tight” educational labor market and student safety.

“Collaboration and clear communication will be essential as we work through these issues,” her statement said.