Sanjay Dave campaign logo — a rising sun over a California quail

Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District · Area 3

Experience our students
can count on.

I’ve spent almost 30 years in the Mountain View–Los Altos community, raised two MVLA graduates, and served eight years on our school board. I’m running to bring that experience back to Area 3 — with a focus on academic excellence and equity for every student.

About Sanjay

A proven record — and unfinished work.

Sanjay Dave

The Mountain View–Los Altos community has been my home for almost 30 years. I’m a semiconductor professional and the parent of two MVLA graduates — so I’ve come to know this district from the inside, as both a parent and a policymaker.

I served eight years on the MVLA Governing Board, where I focused on academic excellence and equity for every student. I’m running to bring that experience back to Area 3 — to keep our schools strong and make sure every student, at both campuses, has what they need to succeed.

During eight years on the board, I

  • Pushed the board to focus on real student growth — measuring how much students actually improve during their years with us, not just how they score in a single year.
  • Championed hiring teachers who hold a degree in the subject they teach — especially in STEM — so students learn from genuine experts in their field.
  • Helped establish equity-focused academic indicators and supported an Equity Alliance that reviews student data to guide board policy — so the district holds itself accountable for every student, at both campuses.
  • Kept the achievement gap on the board’s agenda, because excellence has to mean excellence for every student — and saw real progress: during my tenure, the share of Latino students completing Algebra II with a C or higher rose 17 points at Mountain View, opening a key gateway to college.
  • Played a key role in passing the district’s $300 million facilities bond to modernize and improve our schools.
  • Expanded proven pathways like AVID and Middle College — helping underrepresented, first-generation, and lower-income students reach college-prep and AP classes — and opening more routes to success.

What I’ll fight for

Three priorities for every MVLA student.

I

Academic excellence for every student

MVLA is one of California’s strongest districts, and I want to keep it that way — for every student, not just some. I’ll focus on closing the gaps that leave some students behind, giving those who are struggling the support they need to catch up, and protecting the rigor that lets our highest achievers thrive — so everyone leaves ready for what’s next.

II

Student wellbeing that comes first

Strong academics depend on healthy, supported students. I’ll prioritize mental-health resources, manageable stress, and a school climate where every student belongs — so the pressures of a high-achieving district never come at the cost of our kids’ wellbeing.

III

Great teachers, responsible budgets

Our schools are only as strong as the people in the classroom. I’ll focus on recruiting and keeping excellent teachers in one of the country’s most expensive regions, and on transparent, disciplined budgeting that puts resources where they reach students first.

Endorsements

People who know the work.

Dr. Esmeralda OrtizCurrent MVLA Trustee
Ro KhannaU.S. Representative
Margaret Abe-KogaSanta Clara County Supervisor
Yan ZhaoSaratoga City Councilmember
Lisa MatichakFormer MV City Council
Michael KasperzakFormer MV City Councilmember
Dr. Phil FaillaceFormer MVLA Trustee
Sheila FaillaceCommunity Volunteer
Robert CoxRental Housing Committee Member & former Environmental Planning Commissioner
Kammy LoFormer City of Mountain View Environmental Planning Commissioner
Peipei YuCommunity Volunteer
Helen CittadinoCommunity Volunteer
Cindy ZinnCommunity Volunteer
Randi RossLibrary Tech, Graham Middle School, MVWSD
Sarah Kopit-OlsonCommunity Volunteer

Get involved

Join the campaign.

This will be a grassroots, neighbor-to-neighbor campaign — and it runs on people, not money. Lend your name, knock a few doors, or just say hello.