The New Haven Unified School District (NHUSD) is represented by five publicly elected trustees. Each trustee represents a trustee area. A map of these trustee areas can be found under the Trustee Area Map to the right. More information about each of the trustees can be found below.
Michael Gonzales was elected as a Trustee to the New Haven School Board in 2020. He is an elementary school teacher in Hayward Unified School District. His previous teaching experience includes 15 years with numerous grade levels and diverse populations for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Michael has been heavily involved with the fight against the privatization of public education in California. In doing so, he organized a coalition that wrote a plan, S.M.Art Academy, for a new elementary school which eliminated a charter school takeover during the Public School Choice Initiative in LAUSD. Mr. Gonzales’ previous advocacy for the California Teachers Association (CTA) includes the Racial Equity Affairs Committee, serving as vice-chair of the CTA Hispanic Caucus and 10-year State Delegate for the California Teachers Association. Mr. Gonzales was also a proud National Delegate for the National Education Association Representative Assembly for seven years. Mr. Gonzales, is steeped in community advocacy and has served as president of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council, where he also served as chair of the Education Committee.
Michael understands the strife of students with learning disabilities from not only teaching experience, but also as a student. In grade school, Michael would misbehave to compensate for his inability to read at grade level due to his learning disability. The New Haven Unified School District staff recognized Michael’s attention seeking behavior and never gave up on him. Michael is excited to serve on the school board and give back to the community that has given him so much support as a student.
Michael Gonzales is a third generation Union City resident. All of Michael’s family went to New Haven Unified Schools. The Gonzales family serves or has served the Bay Area as educators, athletic coaches, and firefighters.
Click the image above to watch “40 Questions with Michael Gonzales”
Shruti Kumar was elected to the Board of Education in 2022. She is a Professor of Physics in a Bay Area public college. Shruti has a Masters degree in Physics, and a Masters degree in Electronics. She has lived in Union City since 2005 and has three children, currently in the New Haven Unified schools.
Shruti is very passionate about Public Education. She has worked on several projects designed to promote equity and excellence among students. As a professional STEM educator, Shruti strives to level the playing field for all students. She has been an avid volunteer in the New Haven schools since 2009. She serves as a youth mentor for various non-profit organizations. Shruti is also a Scout Leader with local Scout groups.
Shruti’s intense passion for public education and commitment to service led her to serve on the New Haven School Board.
Click the image above to watch “40 Questions with Shruti Kumar”
Shamsa Rafay is excited and energized to be working with the progressive New Haven Unified School Board.
Shamsa and her husband, Rafay, are proud parents of three children, two of whom are alumni of James Logan High School, and the youngest at JLHS, class of 2024.
Before running for School Board Trustee, Shamsa was a Union City Human Relations Commissioner. She has volunteered with various non-profit organizations such as the New Haven Schools Foundation; PTC of Pioneer, Eastin & IVCMS; Member of League of Women Voters, Youth Voter Movement; Tri-City Interfaith Council; and Spiritual Care Volunteer at Kaiser Permanente, to name a few.
She was awarded the “Excellence in Human Relations” award in 2016 by Alameda County
Click the image above to watch “40 Questions with Shamsa Rafay”
As a proud NHUSD K-12 graduate, Decoto resident, and grandchild of a gladiola field worker, Vanessa Hernandez has lived a life of service through her work in local community organizations, such as a PUENTE Student Ambassador at Ohlone College, Parent Teacher Club President, Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer, and several school projects and committee roles.
As a social advocate and non-profit colleague, Vanessa understands the value of community, awareness, and empowerment as key components in creating equitable solutions.
Prior to her appointment to the board, Vanessa was a part of the School Site Council, a TK teacher, and assisted with Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center pediatric programs. Within those roles, she was able to implement her knowledge in early childhood development, humanities, and social science.
During her personal time, Vanessa enjoys weekend beach trips, listening to live music, and shopping at local pop-up shops.
Lance Nishihira was elected to the Board of Education in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. He is a Director of Global Design at a Fortune 500 Financial Technology company. He has lived in Union City with his wife Tina, a Union City native, since 1998. All three of his daughters are currently enrolled in New Haven Unified School District.
Mr. Nishihira serves on several non-profit boards, including the New Haven Schools Foundation. He has served as chairperson for school site councils at Hillview Crest, César Chávez Middle School and Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School. Prior to being elected, he served on the Union City Economic Development Advisory Team, the Union City General Plan Advisory Committee, and the NHUSD Measure M Citizen Oversight Committee.
Click the image above to watch “40 Questions with Lance Nishihira”
Click here for an interactive map of all Alameda County Unified School Districts including New Haven Unified School District
