Several prominent Asian American leaders in Saratoga, including Tseng Ching-Lin, Zhu Shuling, and Dong Xiaowen, have expressed their support for Melisaa Stanis in her bid for re-election to the Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) board. In an exclusive interview, Stanis shared her vision and accomplishments over the past four years, highlighting the district’s progress in maintaining academic excellence, supporting holistic student development, and offering diverse and enriching programs. She aims to continue fulfilling these commitments if re-elected.
Stanis, a mother of two boys aged 16 and 12, has been an active member of the Saratoga community since her eldest started kindergarten in 2013. She began her involvement as a school volunteer and gradually took on more roles within the district.
Elected to the SUSD board in 2020, Stanis faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the varied needs of students, the district implemented both in-person and online learning options and worked to safely reopen schools post-pandemic.
“Students have made a quick recovery academically, showing minimal lasting impact,” Stanis noted, though she recognized social interactions have suffered due to reduced face-to-face engagement during the pandemic. The district is prioritizing resources to assist the new cohorts of students impacted during those years.
In her efforts, Stanis helped establish an early support system aimed at identifying students who may face challenges in academics, social skills, emotional well-being, or behavior. This initiative ensures that at-risk students receive the necessary resources to close the gaps in their learning.
Stanis emphasized the importance of the board’s role in setting the development direction and vision for the district, stating that these decisions will affect not just the next three to four years but will also have implications a decade from now. “Once an initiative is proposed, it requires ongoing support and execution,” she said, underscoring her motivation for re-election to ensure continuity and effectiveness in these efforts.
“I represent all students and families, striving for equity and inclusivity,” Stanis added. As SUSD becomes increasingly diverse, accommodating students from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, the district has also welcomed a growing number of international students in recent years. The schools provide tailored assistance for English learners and organize cultural activities, allowing students to thrive in a globally-connected environment and benefit from cross-cultural exchanges.
Support for Stanis’ re-election comes from both current and former Asian American elected officials in Saratoga, including Tseng Ching-Lin, Zhu Shuling, Zhang Chen, and Dong Xiaowen, along with further backing for newcomer Jingyuan Huang as he campaigns for a seat on the SUSD board.
