Pearl Cheng (incumbent)

Bio: Born in the Midwest, 23 years in the Bay Area, Cupertino resident; 19 years in the high-tech industry, including NASA-Ames; two children attending CUSD schools.

Statement: “I am now running for re-election to continue the important work in education. We will continue to face challenges in terms of budget pressures, changing demographics, fiscal oversight, and mandated requirements.

Lynette Lee Eng

Bio: Born in Hawaii; realtor with Coldwell Banker; two children in district schools. Initiated a Mandarin immersion program at Montclaire School in 2000; Los Altos resident.

Statement: “If I am elected, I will conscientiously respond to community concerns. I will insist that … concerns be placed on board agendas for full board discussion.” Eng feels the current board hasn’t been sensitive enough to community input.

Ben Liao (incumbent)

Bio: Grew up in Taiwan; degrees in computer science; technical consultant with Hewlett-Packard; Cupertino resident; director, California School Board Association. Seeking third term.

Statement: Vows to lobby at the state and local level to make up for a lack of district funding. “The major issue is funding - CUSD is the lowest funded school district in the county.” Liao said he listens to parents in making decisions.

Gary McCue (incumbent)

Bio: Born in Kansas City, Kansas; business administration degree from University of Kansas; moved to California in 1974; on school site council at son’s school, Dilworth elementary in San Jose. Seeking second term.

Statement: “I want to retain high-quality education for all kids. I want to keep budget cuts away from the classroom. Third, I want to maintain accountability and fiscal responsibility.”

Susan McGhie

Bio: Born in Blythe, California; formerly employed at IBM; four children; resident of Santa Clara; works as a substitute teacher.

Statement: Wants “an open, transparent process” between the board, administration, teachers and community. Wants comprehensive comparisons of administrator salaries with those in other districts. “I want to decrease the amount of paperwork for teachers.”