About Satheesh
CUSD Board President. PTA leader. Engineering leader. District parent.
Two decades of showing up for our schools
Satheesh Madhathil's service to the Cupertino Union School District started the way it does for so many parents: as a kindergarten classroom volunteer at Faria Elementary. Over two decades he took on growing leadership roles: School Site Council Chair, PTA President, and district-wide PTA council leadership, all while raising two children who went through CUSD schools. In 2018, that service led to the school board; today he serves as CUSD Board President, completing his second term.
On the board he has served on the Wellness, Budget Advisory, Facilities, and Strategic Partnership Committees. That work has focused on strengthening student wellness, improving learning environments, and supporting responsible financial planning.
His volunteer work has been recognized with the PTA Honorary Service Award and the PTA Golden Oak Service Award, honors reserved for exceptional contributions to the welfare of children and youth.
Professionally, Satheesh has been an engineering leader at Silicon Valley companies for more than 25 years, bringing analytical rigor and practical budget discipline to the board room.
As an advocate for healthy and active lifestyles, he serves as Regional Commissioner of the American Youth Soccer Organization's Cupertino Region, a non-profit delivering quality youth soccer programs to local families.
Why I Started
My father was a school principal
What many people don’t know about me is that my late father was a school principal.
Some of my earliest memories are of watching him work at the school I attended. He led assemblies and events in front of hundreds of children, and he gave his career to helping students from marginalized communities learn. I was often right there beside him, handing him what he needed, lending a hand wherever I could.
When my father passed away, I made a promise to myself. I would show up for children the way he had, especially when it came to their education. His belief that every child deserves the chance to learn is still the reason I do this work.
Satheesh Madhathil
In His Own Words
From the 2026 ballot statement
I am honored to serve as President of the Cupertino Union School District Board of Education and have proudly represented our community since 2018. I remain committed to putting students first, strengthening community engagement, and ensuring the district’s long-term financial stability.
My commitment to CUSD began in 2005 through leadership roles with PTA and School Site Council. I continue to actively support community organizations focused on youth development and student success.
As a parent, I understand the importance of excellent public schools. Both of my children attended CUSD schools before continuing to high school and college.
I respectfully ask for your support to continue building a stronger CUSD and providing every child with a high-quality education.
Community Leadership
Volunteer roles over the years
- PTA President & School Site Council Chair, Faria Elementary
- Finance Secretary, EVP & President, Kennedy Middle School and Monta Vista High School parent groups
- VP of Leadership & Executive Vice President, Cupertino–Fremont–Sunnyvale PTA Council (6+ years)
- Executive Board Member, California Sixth District PTA
- Regional Commissioner, AYSO Cupertino Region
- Board Member, Asian American Parents Association (AAPA)
- Recipient, PTA Honorary Service Award & Golden Oak Service Award