Van Truong

Van Truong is a member of the Beaverton School District school board in Oregon, representing Zone 1. She assumed office on July 1, 2025. Her current term ends on June 30, 2029.

Truong ran for election to the Beaverton School District school board to represent Zone 1 in Oregon. She won in the general election on May 20, 2025.

Truong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Van Truong was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She earned an associate degree from Portland Community College in 1999, a graduate degree from Portland State University in 2000, and a Ph.D. from the University of Portland in 2017. Her career experience includes working as an education administrator and consultant. Truong has been affiliated with the Asian Pacific Association Network of Oregon, Social Venture Partners, and the Oregon Vietnam Economic, Education and Culture Association.^[1]

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Beaverton School District school board Zone 1

Van Truong defeated Karin Stark and Andrew De Mars in the general election for Beaverton School District school board Zone 1 on May 20, 2025.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Van Truong (Nonpartisan)	52.1	19,582
	Karin Stark (Nonpartisan)	30.8	11,597
	Andrew De Mars (Nonpartisan)	17.0	6,385
	Other/Write-in votes	0.1	50

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 37,614
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Endorsements

Truong received the following endorsements.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

Van Truong completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Truong's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running for the school board to stand up for our students and teachers and ensure all of our students have access to the opportunities they need to thrive in school and beyond. My 30 years of leadership experience in public education uniquely equips me to serve as a board director. Over my career, I have been involved inside and outside the classroom as a: classroom assistant, teacher & principal; an ESL Director and Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in central administration; an Interim Assistant Superintendent; and a Former Beaverton High School parent, and a grandmother of five kids in K-12 public schools. I am laser-focused on student achievement and a result-proven educator. In my journey from refugee to educator and leader, I experienced firsthand how education can transform someone’s life. When my family arrived in the US as refugees, education provided us with opportunity, stability, and a pathway to success. I’m running for school board to ensure that public education continues to be that transformative force in our students’ lives- a place where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Academic Excellence, Healthy Students: Improve mental health services, re-engage students. Strengthen PK-12 pathways, ensuring all students access quality academic, career technical programs.
Budget Accountability: Ensure financial decisions prioritize student learning, college and career preparation, and equitable resource distribution.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Support multilingual education, culturally responsive teaching, enhanced special education, policies uplifting all students.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policies that advance student achievement and strengthen community empowerment. I believe in strengthening early literacy and math skills, career technology education, recognizing that they are foundational for post-high school success. I also advocate for expanding access to mental health services in schools to support the whole child.

High-quality public education is not just a service—it's a right, and one of the most powerful tools we have to create opportunity, break cycles of poverty, and strengthen our communities.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Michelle Obama—not just for her intelligence and leadership, but for the way she carries herself with grace, strength, and authenticity. She’s a brilliant, accomplished woman, a devoted mother, and a powerful advocate for education, equity, and healthy communities.

I’ve read her books and had the opportunity to hear her speak in person, which was incredibly inspiring. Her words and her story remind me that leadership is about purpose, resilience, and lifting others as you climb.

She empowers me to continue my own path in service work—to give back, to create opportunity, and to lead with both courage and compassion. Michelle Obama shows that you can lead with heart, stay grounded in your values, and make a lasting impact on others.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky has kept me focused and balanced. Leadership is hard and rewarding. It shows that some problems have clear fixes, but authentic leadership is about tackling the tough stuff that forces people to change how they think or act. That’s where things get dangerous — people don’t like having their world shaken up, and they’ll push back. Good leaders know when to step in and take action and when to step back to see the bigger picture. When the heat rises, you must stay calm and not get thrown off. You also can’t do it all yourself — people must own the work. Leading change means turning up the pressure to move people without blowing everything up. You need places or people who help you recharge to survive the ups and downs. You must also stay true to your purpose so the hits don’t knock you off course. Expect some losses along the way, and remember: when people get upset, it’s usually about the change, not about you.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, transparency, humility, and a deep commitment to public service. An elected official must lead with honesty, act in the best interests of the community, and be willing to listen and learn from diverse perspectives.

They must be accountable for their decisions and transparent in their actions, ensuring trust with the public is earned and maintained. Humility is equally essential—recognizing that leadership is about serving others, not personal recognition. Above all, an elected official must stay focused on the greater good, making decisions that promote fairness, equity, and opportunity for all.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe I bring a strong combination of humility, ethics, collaboration, and grit to public service. I’m goal- and service-driven, always keeping students at the center by working closely with teachers, staff, parents, and the broader community to create real, lasting change.

I’m a thoughtful listener who values diverse perspectives and believes that the best solutions come from working together. I’m also a decisive leader—willing to make tough calls, always guided by fairness, data, and what’s best for students.

I lead with integrity, empathy, and responsibility, knowing that being an officeholder isn’t about being well-liked—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and fulfilling your responsibilities with transparency and heart. I also bring a sense of humor, because sometimes laughter is what helps us stay connected, grounded, and human—especially in challenging times.

With resilience, strategic thinking, and a servant-leader mindset, I’m ready to lead with purpose and put our students first—always.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I’d like to leave a legacy of equity, impact, and opportunity—where every student, no matter their background, felt seen, supported, and prepared for the future.

I want to be remembered as someone who listened deeply, led with integrity, and brought people together to make real change—not just talk about it. A leader who wasn’t afraid to make tough decisions, but always did so with students at the center.

If years from now, students say they felt more confident, more capable, and more hopeful because of the systems we built—that would be the legacy I’m proud to leave behind.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

If you count it as a first job, I started out picking strawberries—I got paid, so I think it counts! When I first came to the United States, I spent a couple of summers picking crops to help support my family. Language was a big challenge, and the culture shock was real, but those early experiences taught me resilience and the value of hard work.

My first official part-time job was entering data at a bank. It was a big shift from working in the fields, but both roles shaped my work ethic and gave me a deeper appreciation for every opportunity to grow and contribute.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Leadership on the Line by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky.

It’s a powerful guide for anyone trying to lead real, meaningful change—especially in tough or uncertain environments. The book speaks honestly about how leadership isn’t about titles or authority, but about taking risks, staying grounded in your values, and helping people navigate discomfort and change.

What I love most is that it acknowledges how hard leadership can be. It’s not always popular or easy, and it often means standing in the heat while keeping your focus on the bigger purpose. The book helped me reflect on my own leadership journey—especially the importance of courage, resilience, humility, and knowing when to step in or step back.

Leadership on the Line reminds me that true leadership is about service, staying connected to people, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Mulan.

I actually learned about her story back in my home country, before I came to the United States. As a woman, she showed me that you can be just as strong, brave, and capable as any man—something that isn’t always encouraged or celebrated in many Asian cultures.

Mulan broke the rules for the right reasons—she stood up for her family, protected her community, and led with courage and honor. I saw myself in her. I learned from her. Her story gave me confidence that I could face challenges, speak up, and lead—even when the path wasn’t easy or expected.

She reminds me that one person—especially one woman—can make a difference.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song that got stuck in my head was “We Are the World.” That line—“We are the world, we are the children”—always stays with me.

I love that song because it’s a powerful reminder that our children are our shared responsibility, and that so many young people still struggle without access to education, safety, or basic needs.

It reinforces why I do this work. Education is one of the greatest equalizers, and we have to start at home—in our own communities—making sure every child feels supported, seen, and empowered to succeed. That song inspires me to keep showing up and doing my part.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life was starting over as a refugee. Coming to the U.S. meant leaving behind everything I knew—my home, my language, my sense of identity. I had to rebuild from the ground up, learning English, navigating a new culture, and working hard just to get a foothold.

Even now, at this point in my life, people still make assumptions about me—judging my intelligence or ability simply because of my accent. It’s a quiet but constant reminder of the bias that still exists.

That’s one of the reasons I run under the name Dr. Truong—to remind others, and myself, that we are not defined by how we sound, but by the work we’ve done, the values we carry, and the change we make.

This struggle has only strengthened my commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating a system where every student feels seen and valued—no matter their background.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that every decision made supports student success and reflects the values and needs of the community. School board members must stay focused on improving student achievement, setting a clear vision and strategic goals for the district, and adopting policies that promote equity and academic excellence.

They are also responsible for overseeing the district budget and are strongly committed to financial responsibility. They ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support learning and student well-being. Additionally, school board members hold the superintendent accountable for results while fostering transparency, community engagement, and trust.

Effective school board leadership means keeping students at the center of every decision, being a responsible steward of public funds, and working collaboratively to build an education system where every child can thrive.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are all members of the community served by the school district. This includes students, families, educators, school staff, taxpayers, and community members—whether or not they currently have children enrolled in the schools. The school board set the vision, goals, policies, and budget that shape the district’s direction — even though they do not manage day-to-day operations. Their primary method of leadership is through the oversight and evaluation of the superintendent, who is responsible for carrying out the board’s policies and managing the district.

By supervising the superintendent, school board directors ensure that community values, student needs, and educational priorities are reflected in the district’s decisions and daily practices. They hold the superintendent accountable for outcomes, ensuring that policies are implemented effectively and resources are used responsibly.

In this way, board members remain responsible to their constituents, not by running schools directly, but by setting the right expectations, maintaining oversight, demanding transparency, and being strong advocates for students and the community at the governance level.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

I’d love to see the curriculum expanded in ways that truly prepare students for life after high school—not just for college, but also for careers and everyday living.

We need to strengthen early literacy so all students are reading by third grade, and invest in improving math and science instruction to build a strong academic foundation. Just as important is teaching critical thinking skills—helping students analyze, question, and solve problems in creative and thoughtful ways that prepare them for a rapidly changing world.

We should also expand advanced technical training, apprenticeships, and career-connected learning that offer students real-world experience and industry-recognized certifications. Growing makerspaces is a big part of that—hands-on environments where students can create, build, and innovate using tools, technology, and teamwork.

I support building out financial literacy, life skills, and multilingual education, making sure students are ready to thrive in a diverse, global society. If given the opportunity, I’d work to create more school-community partnerships that offer internships, mentorships, and exposure to real-world careers.

Every student deserves a curriculum that challenges them, reflects who they are, and prepares them for success—wherever life takes them.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Supporting the mental health of students, faculty, and staff starts with creating a school culture that prioritizes well-being, connection, and access to care.

This means ensuring we have enough school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals to meet growing needs, and that staff also have access to mental health support. I would advocate for ongoing professional development so educators are equipped to recognize signs of distress and create trauma-informed, supportive classrooms.

Mental health is deeply connected to overall well-being, so we also need to strengthen school-based health services—including access to nurses, routine health screenings, and partnerships with community providers for wraparound care.

For students, I support embedding social-emotional learning (SEL) into daily instruction and offering both small-group and individual supports. For staff, it's just as important to protect time for rest, offer strong peer networks, and maintain reasonable workloads.

And just as important—we need to make space for joy. Fun, school-wide activities that bring students and staff together—like a student vs. staff basketball game or spirit days—help build connection, reduce stress, and boost morale. These moments of fun shouldn’t happen just once a quarter—they’re key to a healthy school culture.

At the end of the day, mental and physical health are the foundation for learning and teaching. We must treat them as essential, not optional.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Why did the student eat his homework?
Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Washington County Democrats

Stand for Children
Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty
Beaverton City Councilors Kevin Teater, Edward Kimmi, John Dugger, Nadia Hassan, Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg
Beaverton School Board Susan Greenberg, Justice Rajee, Karen Perez, Sunita Garg, Ugonna Enyinnaya
THPRD Directors Felicita Monteblanco, Alfredo Moreno, Tya Ping
Next Up Action Fund
Oregon Futures Lab
Color PAC
Metro Councilor Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Becky Tymchuk, Former Beaverton School Board
Kathryn Harrington, Chair, Washington County Commission; Commissioners Pam Treece, Nafisa Fai
Secretary of State Tobias Read
State Senator Khanh Pham (SD23), Kate Lieber
State Representative Hai Pham, Thuy Tran, Hoa Nguyen

Parents and teachers ... running out of space...

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

An ideal learning environment is one where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. In my years leading teaching and learning in schools and at the district level, I’ve seen that the best classrooms are built on strong relationships and a belief that every student can succeed.

Kids thrive when they feel like they belong, when their cultures and identities are reflected in what they’re learning, and when they’re encouraged to share their ideas. They learn so much from each other—through group work, projects, and conversations. That kind of collaboration builds confidence, communication skills, and deeper understanding.

It’s also important to balance high expectations with the right support. Some students need more time, others need different approaches—and that’s okay. Social-emotional support matters too. When students feel emotionally safe and connected, they’re more open to learning.

Of course, things like clean classrooms, fresh air, healthy food, and working technology all matter. But more than anything, it’s about creating a place where students are not just taught—they’re seen, heard, and inspired to grow. That’s the kind of environment I’ve worked to build, and the kind I’ll keep fighting for.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring good governance. Public funds belong to the community, and elected officials have a responsibility to be clear, honest, and accessible about how those resources are being used.

For a school board director, financial responsibility means ensuring that every budget decision directly supports student success. It requires aligning resources with educational goals, prioritizing classrooms and student services, and maintaining equity at the center of all funding decisions. It also means asking tough questions, demanding measurable outcomes, and being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

Transparency means providing timely, understandable information about budgets, spending, and decision-making processes. Accountability means setting clear goals, measuring results, and making course corrections when necessary.

In my view, public service is about stewardship—leading with integrity, prioritizing students, and delivering real results that strengthen our schools and communities.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 3, 2025

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on May 3, 2025

[1]

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Van Truong

Contents

Biography

Elections

2025

General election

General election for Beaverton School District school board Zone 1

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

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