By Eliza Ridgeway

Eng

Lynette Lee Eng of Los Altos is running for a seat on the Santa Clara County Board of Education on Nov. 7, hoping to bring inclusivity and expanded services to the county level.

Eng’s work on volunteer projects for the Cupertino Union School District and Santa Clara County gave her an interest in expanding educational programming. She worked with the district to start a Mandarin immersion program that, while initially controversial, has become successful.

“Students are performing well,” she said. “It is nationally acclaimed, and there is a long waiting list.”

Eng is running against incumbent T.N. Ho and challenger Charlie Ahern for the seat representing Area 2 on the county board. Area 2 includes cities from Los Altos to Los Gatos to Fremont.

After participating in the Los Altos Mediation Program, Eng said she was inspired that a similar program on the county level could help bridge the gap between parents with concerns and the school districts and boards.

She also favors creating a county ombudsman who could be a resource for parents, particularly those from low-income or English-as-a-second-language backgrounds, who are unsure how to approach administrators.

Eng said that many of the people she meets on the campaign trail, especially those watching the Los Altos Hills redistricting debate, are concerned that there be a fair process when the county considers the redistricting request. Eng said she is a candidate whose background in schools volunteering would make her an informed and accessible trustee.

“I feel I would be able to ensure a fair process going forward,” she said.

Eng’s two sons attend school in the Cupertino district. She became involved in education issues when she took time off from her job as a realtor to raise her children. As chairwoman of the Los Altos Park, Arts and Recreation Commission, she pushed to develop an after-school enrichment program and to renovate local parks.

“Education needs to continue to remain a priority in the state, and equalization funding is important,” Eng said. “Cupertino Union is one of the least-funded districts.

“Even though districts score high and they’re doing well, we can always continue to make sure gaps are filled. I think I can do that.”