Two new trustees for the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District were sworn in on Dec. 17.
Marsha Grilli was elected in November to represent Trustee Area 1, which encompasses much of north San Jose, including the Berryessa neighborhood, as well as the City of Milpitas. Buu Thai was sworn in as the trustee for Area 5, which cover areas of south San Jose, including much of the Parkview and Almaden Valley neighborhoods.
While they are new to the district’s board of trustees, both are experienced local political leaders. Grilli has served on both the Milpitas Unified School District board and the Milpitas City Council. Thai is a longtime resident of San Jose who has worked extensively in the local government and non-profit sectors. She previously served on the Franklin McKinley School District board.
“We are very fortunate to have two new trustees with the level of experience, expertise and knowledge that trustees Grilli and Thai bring to our district,” said chancellor Dr. Beatriz Chaidez in a release.
Grilli fills a vacancy created when former trustee Bob Livengood resigned from the board last June. Thai replaces former trustee Wendy Ho, who did not seek re-election after serving 12 years on the district’s board of trustees.
Two incumbent trustees who were re-elected in November were also sworn in at the Dec. 7 meeting. Tony Alexander will continue to represent Trustee Area 3, while Clay Hale was re-elected to represent Trustee Area 7.
The district board also elected new leadership for 2025, electing Alexander to serve as board president and trustee Jeffrey Lease to serve as board vice president.