Vartika
Chandra

I have known Vartika Chandra for more than five years. In that time I have watched her show up for this community over and over again, not because she was paid to, not because anyone asked her to, but because she genuinely cares about the students, families, and schools in Campbell. That kind of consistency tells you everything you need to know about a person.

I voted for her appointment to the Campbell Union School District board because I believed in her then and I believe in her now. What sets Vartika apart is not just her passion or her persistence, though she has both in abundance. It is her willingness to form a point of view, encounter new information, and adjust her thinking accordingly. In governance, that quality is rare and it matters enormously. The trustees who serve students best are the ones who are willing to learn, not just the ones who are willing to fight.

Eighteen months on this board has taught me what this job actually requires. It requires someone who is not afraid to stand up when standing up is uncomfortable, who asks the hard questions when others would rather move on, and who holds a position under pressure when the facts support it. It also requires someone who understands that when a vote is taken, you support the outcome even when you disagree. That is not weakness. That is governance. Vartika understands both sides of that equation.

She has my full endorsement for Campbell Union School District Trustee Area 5.

*For identification purposes only.

Vartika, you are the bee who moves from flower to flower, carrying the pollen of connection, positivity, hope, and community. Because of your tireless love and dedication, Forest Hill has blossomed, and we have all grown into more than we ever imagined we could be.

Vartika has been a force of positivity on our campus since I first met her in 2017 in Mrs. Hannan’s kindergarten classroom. Whether it is organizing interactive, multi-cultural celebrations over Zoom during the pandemic to bring our community together, orchestrating peaceful demonstrations in support of our teachers, or ensuring that there were engaging activities for children in our garden space, Vartika has been involved with her signature smile and can-do attitude! She is a strong engine that has improved the offerings and culture in our school for years and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes on behalf of all kids and families next. There is likely not an activity, event, or tradition at Forest Hill in the last 9 years that Vartika hasn’t had a hand in helping make happen!

Some people help when it’s convenient. Vartika helps because it’s who she is. She is the kind of friend who shows up—no matter the task, no matter the need. Dependable, trustworthy, and endlessly generous, she has a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and understood. Vartika’s willingness to help, her ability to connect with anyone, and her steady presence make her the kind of person every community hopes for and every friend is grateful to have. We love you so much Vartika! Thank you so much for all you have done for us as a school community and as a friend.

One of the best features of Forest Hill, its vibrant community that makes the school experience so special not just for the kids but also for us parents, is thanks in large parts to Vartika! When my son first joined Forest Hill 6 years back, her inclusivity made us feel at home right away and now I realize that has set the tone for the overall parent involvement that drives the Forest Hill PTA.

Vartika’s passion for Forest Hill is unmatched. I wish I could list all the ways we should thank her but this newsletter isn’t long enough! From the PTA to the multi-cultural potluck to school board initiatives, her commitment to making our school better for everyone is truly inspiring. We have been so lucky to have her; even if we all work together, we will struggle to fill her shoes. Vartika doesn’t just volunteer; she makes us all better!

Vartika has been such a caring and dedicated leader for our Forest Hill community. She is one of our children’s biggest advocates and has worked tirelessly to create meaningful events that bring families together and help everyone feel welcome and included. What stands out most is her willingness to help. Whenever a question or concern comes up, she is often the first person to respond with kindness, guidance, and reassurance. She consistently goes above and beyond to support our students, families, and staff. Her dedication, warmth, and leadership have helped shape our school community, and Forest Hill will truly miss her presence.

Vartika is the most passionate school volunteer I’ve ever met. She has inspired me and I hold her responsible (in the best way!) for getting me into volunteering and I’ll always be grateful for that. Her impact on the Forest Hill community has been immense — she has this beautiful ability to bring the community together and create a supportive environment. Over the years, she has taken on many leadership roles and consistently set the bar high! She is superbly organized, involved, and ensures every teacher, staff member, and volunteer feels valued and supported! Be it leading, supporting, listening, helping or just being there — that’s Vartika for you! You’re the best Vartika!

The wonderful thing about Vartika is that she is always willing to listen very attentively when anyone in this community is having a problem, large or small. And then after listening, she thinks of what she can do to help and brings people together to get it done.

We’ve known Vartika since our daughter (now 5th grader) was in preschool. Initially, I thought she was simply a helpful parent. Little did I know, all the time and effort she would continue to contribute to Forest Hill over the years. The fundraisers, potlucks, festivals, performing arts showcases, cake walks, etc. She has organized protests to advocate for our kids and support our teachers. She does it all with a smile and positive attitude. Vartika’s hard work and dedication is fundamental in making Forest Hill an amazing school.

I had the pleasure of serving with Vartika Chandra on our School Site Council for 2 years. She was always one of the most engaged members, listening carefully and asking thoughtful questions that showed her commitment to making the best decisions for our students.

I have no doubt she will bring that same dedication and commitment to our community as a school board member, and I wholeheartedly support her.

Vartika has been an amazing and integral part of our Forest Hill Family. As a kindergarten teacher at Forest Hill for 29 years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with the parents of Forest Hill. I had the privilege of teaching both of Vartika's children. Vartika began volunteering in numerous different roles. She always brought her new ideas, enthusiasm, inclusivity, and joy to our campus. During Covid, Vartika ensured that the students continued to experience assemblies, guest authors, and multicultural school events. Vartika understands our public school system from the school site budget to the PTA to classroom volunteering. Forest Hill is successful because of incredible people like Vartika. We are forever grateful for her contributions, her time, and especially her love.

I have known Vartika through our local community for several years.

Whenever I’ve reached out to her for advice on organising any event at my kids school Capri — whether on fundraising challenges, event planning, or vendor recommendations — she has always been remarkably generous with her practical guidance and insight. As a dedicated PTA leader at Forest Hill, I have known from several Forest Hill parent friends and personally that Vartika has consistently invested her time and energy into strengthening the Forest Hill school community.

Vartika is deeply committed to public education and always willing to share her knowledge to help others succeed. She is knowledgeable, approachable, and driven by what is best for students, parents and educators. She is a great community leader and brings people together to deliver results successfully and also puts in processes for it to sustain without her in future.

I believe these qualities make her an outstanding candidate and she will emulate what she has done in Forest Hill across the other schools in Campbell Union School District.

I have seen first hand Vartika’s exceptional ability to unite large, diverse groups of people and turn ambitious ideas into meaningful action. She leads with clarity, practical vision, and a collaborative spirit that inspires confidence and gets real results for our community. Vartika possesses every quality of a proven leader, and she would be an outstanding, dedicated voice on our school board.

I came to know Vartika when she was a parent at Forest Hill Elementary and an active member of the PTA. She consistently worked to ensure all children were included and that opportunities were shared fairly across the school community.

Although her son was not in my fifth-grade class, Vartika invited my students to join her son’s class for garden lessons. As a disabled educator, providing that type of hands-on experience on my own was not possible, so her thoughtfulness and willingness to include my class meant a great deal to me and my students.

Vartika leads with fairness, inclusion, and a genuine commitment to students and families. I am confident she will bring those same values to the Campbell Union School District Board of Education, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.

I'm sorry that you're leaving, but I hope you have a good time at that place. I'm super sad to say this but I hope you have a good first day with the middle schoolers. Goodbye, my friend!