The Beaverton School Board on July 7 administered the oath of office to two newly elected directors and reorganized its leadership, electing Sunita Garg as board chair and Justice Raji as vice chair.

The two newly elected directors, Dr. Von Truong of Zone 1 and Syed Qasim of Zone 5, were sworn in by Superintendent Dr. Balderas at the start of the special meeting. Each recited the oath and the term that was read into the record: July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. Dr. Von Truong was assigned to position number 1; Qasim to position number 5.

The swearing-in allowed the board to conduct business immediately. The board then considered the consent agenda; it was approved with five votes in favor and two abstentions. The minutes recorded that five standing board members voted yes and the two newly sworn members abstained.

Board members next nominated and elected leadership for the coming year. Melissa (board member) nominated Sunita Garg for chair; Garg accepted the nomination. Tammy (board member) nominated Justice Raji for chair, but Raji declined that nomination and said he intended instead to serve as vice chair. "I do not. I actually have taken some consideration... my intention is actually to serve as vice chair this year," Raji said during the nominations period. In an ensuing vote, Garg was elected chair by a unanimous vote of the board. Later, with Raji nominated for vice chair, the board also voted unanimously to elect him to that role. Garg told the board she was "so thankful for this opportunity" and said she looked forward to working with the leadership team.

Outgoing chair Karen thanked the board for the opportunity to serve the past two years and noted upcoming priorities for the board and district, including onboarding new board members, hiring a new superintendent, addressing the Beaverton School District budget in light of looming federal cuts, and reviewing the OSEA contract in the coming month.

The special meeting, called to order at 7:04 p.m., was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Approved; yes 5, abstain 2 (two newly sworn members abstained).
- Chair election: Sunita Garg elected chair; unanimous vote.
- Vice chair election: Justice Raji elected vice chair; unanimous vote.

The board did not take other substantive policy votes at the meeting; members outlined procedural priorities and upcoming agenda items for the 2025–26 school year.