Mani Farhadi

I’m Mani Farhadi. I’m currently an LGUSD Board of Trustee member, because I believe public schools serve a valuable purpose in providing free education to children from all walks of life. My family chose Los Gatos for the school districts. They are successful outcomes of our schools, balancing their interests in the arts, athletics, science & volunteering; a testament to nurturing the whole child.

Aside from being a parent, my other hat is in the design occupation. I work at Steinberg, an architectural office with expertise in educational institutions. Having 30 years of experience, I plan creative learning environments for schools, colleges & universities. I collaborate with administration, faculty, students, & communities about places of learning, looking at trends and lessons learned in the built environment, from the outside so to speak.

Why do I volunteer for LGUSD? It is because I’m passionate about our children’s education and I want to contribute to the decision-making from the inside. I was appointed to LGUSD Board of Trustees in Aug 2015, after having served on the Bond Oversight Committee for 10 years. I was involved behind the scenes in planning the new campuses we have today. For this role, I received the ‘Citizen Architect’ award from the American Institute of Architects. Being on the Governing Board, my professional and volunteer worlds have converged and I have felt whole; like the whole child we aspire for our children.

Education is constantly evolving. As our district plans ahead for the 21st century, it is a new era. It is important to be adaptable and resilient. As an American-born citizen, who was raised overseas, I feel fortunate to be living in CA with freedom of education and access for all. I offer you a continuum of experience, insatiable curiosity and a community voice for our Board. Volunteering to serve on the Board is an honor. Please vote for me on Nov. 8.