About Satheesh
CUSD Board President. PTA leader. Engineering leader. District parent.
Two decades of community and classroom involvement
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 has taken on increasing leadership roles, serving as School Site Council Chair, PTA President, and a leader on the districtwide PTA Council, all while raising two children who attended CUSD schools. In 2018, his longstanding commitment to public education led to his election to the CUSD Board of Education.
On the board he has served on the Wellness, Budget Advisory, Facilities, and Strategic Partnership Committees, which resulted in strengthened student wellness, improved learning environments, and more 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.
He is also an active board member of the Asian American Parents Association (AAPA), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting a stronger learning environment and student success.
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
Community Leadership
Volunteer roles over the years
- PTA President & School Site Council Chair, Faria Elementary
- Finance Secretary & EVP of Kennedy Middle School PTA
- President of Monta Vista High School Parent Teacher Student Association
- 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