Shruti Kumar was elected to the New Haven Unified School District Board of Education in 2022 and is currently seeking re-election to continue serving students, families, and the community. She is a tenured Professor of Physics at Mission College and brings both academic expertise and a deep commitment to student success to her role as a trustee. Shruti holds a Master's degree in Physics and a Master's degree in Electronics.
About
Putting students first
Campaign Priorities
- Student-centered decision making
- Academic excellence and equity
- Strong partnerships with families
- Transparent, accountable leadership
About
Read My Full Story
A Union City resident since 2005, Shruti and her husband have three children who attended and currently attend New Haven Unified schools, with their oldest now in college. As both an educator and a parent, she understands firsthand the importance of strong public schools and the impact they have on students, families, and the broader community.
Shruti is deeply passionate about public education and has dedicated years of service to promoting equity, opportunity, and academic excellence for all students. As a STEM educator, she believes every child deserves access to high-quality educational opportunities and strives to help level the playing field so all students can succeed. During her first term as trustee, Shruti focused on student achievement, equity, community engagement, and strengthening opportunities for all students.
Since 2009, Shruti has been an active volunteer in New Haven schools and throughout the community. She serves as a youth mentor through various nonprofit organizations and is also a Scout Leader with local Scout groups, helping young people develop leadership, confidence, and a spirit of service.
Shruti's passion for education, commitment to community service, and belief in the potential of every student inspired her to serve on the New Haven School Board and continue working to build strong schools, expand student opportunity, and provide responsive community leadership.
Record of Service
Leadership in Action
Featured
Recognized for Community Service
Shruti was recognized as a 2025 Woman of the Year by the California State Assembly, honoring her dedication to education, public service, and the New Haven community.
Spanish at IVC Middle School
Initiated the creation of a Spanish language program at Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School, expanding world language opportunities for students.
Math Olympiads Across Schools
Led efforts to bring Math Olympiad opportunities to students across New Haven schools.
Middle School Speech and Debate
Championed the expansion of the Speech and Debate program into New Haven middle schools to help students strengthen confidence, communication, and civic engagement.
Enhanced Student Experience
Advocated for earlier distribution of class schedules at James Logan High School to better support students and families.
IVC and AES Drop-Off Redesign
Initiated efforts to improve campus drop-off procedures at Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School and Alvarado Elementary School, helping create safer and more efficient mornings for students and families.
Grading Policy Review
Initiated a review of administrative regulations related to grading practices at James Logan High School and student success.
Art Vistas at AES
Helped bring the Art Vistas enrichment program to students at Alvarado Elementary School and personally led several classroom sessions.
Logan Staff Lunch Area
Advocated for enhancements to the staff lunch area at James Logan High School.
Cal State East Bay Partnership
Facilitated the automatic admission agreement and dual enrollment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NHUSD and Cal State East Bay.
Facility Rental Framework
Worked to establish a comprehensive plan for NHUSD facility rentals to help ensure youth-focused community organizations and PTC groups have equitable access to district facilities.
New Haven Fun Run
Chaired the New Haven Fun Run for multiple years, bringing together families, schools, and community partners to support New Haven students.
Service
Serving students and community
NHUSD Volunteer
Since 2009, Shruti has volunteered in New Haven schools, supporting students, classrooms, and school communities. She has served for 12 years as an Art Vistas docent, been actively involved in PTC leadership and activities, and volunteered as a Room Parent, helping strengthen connections between families, teachers, and schools.
Founder, Pay It Forward
In 2010, Shruti founded “Pay It Forward,” a free tutoring initiative supporting students in Union City and Hayward in Physics and Math. The program was built on a simple idea: in return for receiving help, students would one day “pay it forward” by helping others in some meaningful way. Through mentorship and academic support, Shruti has helped students build confidence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
Scout Leader
Since 2012, Shruti has served as a Scout Leader, supporting youth development, community service, and hands-on learning opportunities. She also serves as a Merit Badge Counselor and STEM mentor, helping young people build confidence, character, and an interest in science and technology.
Gallery
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Endorsements
Community support
This campaign is powered by our community and supported by the parents, educators, community leaders, and public servants who work every day to strengthen opportunities for students. I am honored to have their support.
I am proud to support Shruti Kumar for re-election to the New Haven School District Board of Education. I have had the privilege of volunteering alongside Shruti at the St. Anne Church Festival and working with her on issues that matter to our community, including school safety and improving our neighborhood parks.
One example of her leadership was her initiative to help renovate the playground at Mariners Park, which had been closed for five years. Thanks to her persistence and commitment, we were able to bring that park back to life for local families.
What has always impressed me most is Shruti's willingness to listen, follow through on her commitments, and approach every issue with integrity. She takes the time to understand people's concerns, asks thoughtful questions, and makes decisions based on what is best for students, families, and our community.
Shruti is an accessible, hardworking, and dedicated public servant who leads with professionalism and compassion. I am proud to support her re-election and am confident she will continue to serve the students and families of the New Haven Unified School District with distinction.
Gary Singh
Mayor, Union City
As a parent of kids who attend Pioneer and a husband of an NHUSD teacher, I've had the chance to see firsthand how seriously Shruti takes her responsibility to students and families.
She goes out of her way to meet with students, parents, and teachers, and has spearheaded meaningful change at our schools. She brings the perspective of someone who has long been on the ground in our district, understands what students and educators are actually facing, and leads with the kind of integrity you want from someone making decisions about our schools.
Scott Sakakihara
Union City Council Member, Parent, Community Leader
My name is Tommie Lindsey, and I had the privilege of teaching in the New Haven Unified School District for more than 35 years. I currently serve as the Emeritus coach of the James Logan High School Forensics Team, and over the course of my career I have worked alongside many school board members and district leaders.
Very few have demonstrated the level of dedication, leadership, and lasting impact that Shruti Kumar has. She is deeply committed to serving students, educators, and the broader community, and her work consistently reflects integrity, thoughtfulness, and a genuine desire to make our schools stronger.
Shruti Kumar is a candidate worthy of your support. She has earned my highest respect and admiration, and I am proud to endorse her.
Dr. Tommie Lindsey
Educator, James Logan High School Forensics Team Emeritus Coach
With great honor and tremendous excitement I recommend Shruti Kumar for New Haven Unified School Board. Without a doubt this is the type of person needed in our school system to continue and expand success with the district.
She has shown great commitment, vision and work ethic as part of New Haven Unified for many years. She has been an incredible asset to the teaching and learning system. She will help New Haven Unified School District be the best it can be.
Believe To Achieve!
Coach Lee Webb
Founder, Mission Valley Track and Field, NHUSD Hall of Fame Coach
I wholeheartedly support Shruti Kumar for re-election to Area 4. Shruti approaches every issue with care, sharp intelligence, and steadfast expertise in her role as an educator, parent, advocate, and elected official. She weighs every stakeholder's equity before she acts, never just the loudest voice in the room, and with scholars always at the center.
As the lead for our PTC and an SSC member, I can attest that her work stands out, showing up every single time, making New Haven Unified stronger!
Cheris Crocker-Root
Former Park & Recreation Commissioner, PTC President & SSC Member
My name is Madhu Singh. As an NHUSD parent whose two children graduated from the district, it is my absolute privilege to strongly support Shruti Kumar for the New Haven Unified School District School Board.
Having known Shruti for over 15 years as a friend, neighbor, and fellow parent, I have seen firsthand her deep commitment to our students and community. She has already served a full term as an NHUSD Board Member with distinction, and she needs our support to serve our district once again.
Shruti is a true role model for many students, demonstrating her dedication by tutoring kids in math and science for free in her personal time. She leads with integrity, long-term vision, and a genuine willingness to listen to parents, teachers, and students.
Above all else, she puts the academic, emotional, and social well-being of students at the heart of every decision, advocating tirelessly for high-quality instruction and equal resources for every learner. Shruti's unmatched dedication to student growth and community service makes her an invaluable leader for NHUSD. I wholeheartedly stand by her and urge our community to vote to re-elect her.
Madhu Singh
NHUSD Parent
Educators & Educational Leaders
- Coach Lee Webb Founder Mission Valley Track and Field, NHUSD Hall of Fame Coach
- Cris Shockley Educator
- Danielle Torres Educator
- Dr Tommie Lindsey MacArthur Fellow & Education Leader
- Dr Francis Rojas Parent, Educational Leader
- Ivan DeSouza Educator
- Jason Ross Educator
- Jasmine-Sim Truong Parent, Educator
- Jess Trapsi Parent, Educator
- Joe Reyes Educator
- John Shockley Educator
- Justin Kurup Educator
- Kavitha Viswanathan Parent, Educator
- Karen Kelly Educator
- Laura Cox Educator
- Linda Chew Educator
- Mitch Watnik Parent, Educator
- Patricia Noanchanh Educator
- Paul Nay Educator
- Ron Polk Educational Leader
- Tina Bobadilla-Mastel Educator
- Wini Mendoza Educator
Parents & Families
- Abby Andrade Parent, Community Member
- Annie Celada Kwong Parent
- Christina Rodriguez Parent, Sr Program Manager Healthcare
- Gee Lyn Echaluse Zhang Parent
- Hiral Shah Parent, Tech Leader
- Johnny Qiu Parent, Student Program Leader
- Madhu Thakur Parent
- Neha Sharma Parent
- Preet Sabharwal Parent
- Rahul Iyengar Parent, Tech Executive
- Sharad Sabharwal Parent
- Sharon Huang Parent
- Sumant Sood Parent
Community Leaders
- Cheris Crocker-Root Parent, Community Leader
- Deepti Garg Parent, Tech Program Manager, City Commissioner
- Kalani Calderon Community Leader
- Lorrene Ritchie Community Member
- Michael Ritchie Community Member
- Vipan Bajwa City Commissioner
Elected Officials
- Liz Ortega Assemblymember
- Elisa Márquez Alameda County Supervisor
- Gary Singh Union City Mayor
- Mark Salinas Hayward Mayor
- Lance Nishihira Union City Council Member
- Scott Sakakihara Union City Council Member
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