The Sun
Sunnyvale's Newspaper

Byron, Liao and Fielden win school board race

By Katherine Petersen

Debbie Byron, Barbara Fielden and Ben Liao won the three spots on the Cupertino Union School District board, with 9092 votes, 9086 votes and 7637 votes respectively.

Julius Chiang, a relative newcomer to the area, lost his bid for election to the board.

Fielden, a McAuliffe parent for more than seven years, became involved in district issues four years ago.

"Communication is crucial, and I think I'm good at it," Fielden said. "My main thing is to be a bridge between the schools and the administration and other groups in the community."

Chiang, who works for Union Bank, may try running again next time. He has always wanted to serve his community as a board member.

"I'm going to review all my options of different groups and committees and see what interests me the most and go for it," Chiang said. "I've gotten some experience this time. I'm more aware of how political this is. I don't know if it's something I enjoy."

Byron, the only incumbent who ran in the race, wanted the opportunity to work with Bill Bragg, the district's new superintendent, whom she helped hire. Reducing class sizes in grades K-3 is one of the most important issues facing the board, she said.

Byron said as an incumbent, she can provide continuity to the board.

Liao, former president of the Asian-American Parents Association, wanted to bring his experience working with education to the board. Liao, an engineer at Hewlett-Packard, is also a member of Faria Elementary's school site council. His children have attended Faria for six years.

Liao is glad to be able to serve the community's children in his new position.

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This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, November 5, 1997.
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