Doug Sueoka is running for a seat on the Milpitas Unified School District’s (MUSD) Board of Education.
This will be Sueoka’s first ever run for office.
Back in late 2022, when former Board Trustee Hon Lien won a seat on the Milpitas City Council, her spot on MUSD’s Board of Education opened up. Several individuals were considered during the appointment process, which took place in February 2023; Sueoka was one of them.
Rob Jung went on to be appointed, but ever since that night, it has been in the back of Sueoka’s mind to attempt a run in the future…
The future has come, and Sueoka feels more than ready. He will run for one of the two open MUSD Board of Education seats during the November 2024 election.
“I’ve been thinking a long time about giving back to my community,” said Sueoka. “Prior to the last 6 or 7 years, I have had salaried jobs that took up a lot of time. My kids have graduated high school and I have time now to give back.”
Both of Sueoka’s sons graduated from Milpitas High School; one in 2016, the other in 2020.
Currently, Sueoka serves on both MUSD’s Parcel Tax Oversight Committee and the Community Board Advisory Council (CBAC). He is also President of the Milpitas Inclusive Parent Teachers Association.
“I have a child with special needs,” said Sueoka. “That’s the reason I’m involved with the inclusion PTA. The focus is on students with disabilities and making them feel included at events and things.”
As far as experience goes, Sueoka feels that he would offer something very unique if elected to the school board.
“I’ve worked in retail for 30-plus years. I was a senior manager for almost 20, and I have insight into budgeting, maintenance, and facilities,” Sueoka told The Beat.
Sueoka feels that funding is a big concern for the school district. If elected, he would work on ways to stabilize and increase funding.
At present, in his work as an Inventory Auditor at Costco, he prepares the budget for his specific location.
“I think my budgeting insights can help the district,” said Sueoka.
If Sueoka becomes a board trustee, his biggest priority would be to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to start their education off strong.
“Kids learn best when they’re younger,” said Sueoka. “My biggest focus would be – are the elementary schools supported efficiently to get these kids off to a good start?”
Two areas that Sueoka is adamant about protecting are music and special education programs. He feels that those two programs are ones that school districts usually make cuts to, but believes that they are essential to many students.
“I’m pleased about MUSD’s recent announcement of the new performing arts theater,” said Sueoka.
Sueoka knows the power of music well. His younger son took up music when he was in 5th grade, and it changed his life. Later, at Milpitas High School, his son joined every band he could, and went on to major in music at Fresno State. He currently plays several different instruments.
“All the schools cover English, History, PE, Science…” said Sueoka. “Music and special services are just as important. Not everyone should be channeled into one area. Everybody needs to have options.”
Mr. Sueoka is adamant about protecting music and special education programs because they are ones that school districts often cut in tough financial times. Thus, “Sueoka feels that funding is a big concern for the school district. If elected, he would work on ways to stabilize and increase funding.”
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Here’s a suggestion for increasing funding – tax polluters and free loaders! Whether we are talking about toxic diesel pollution or free-loading corporations that internalize profits while externalizing costs, there are over 50 areas where corporations are not paying their fair share. Learn more at https://meansfordemocracy.org/budget.html#fees
Congratulations MUSD that you have Mr. Sueoka to step up and run for school board. Dedicated board members that don’t use your platform as a stepping stone to the city council are gold. It takes a time commitment to understand the depth and bredth of the issues and their interrelationships.