By Ritu Jha-
Rinu Nair, an 18-year-old college student, has defied significant odds to secure a seat on the Fremont Unified School District Board. Nair’s victory over Ganesh Balamitran, who was backed by influential congressmen and local politicians, highlights her determination to bring a fresh, student-centered perspective to the board.
Nair, who attended Fremont Unified schools, has pledged to focus on mental health, student safety, and expanded academic opportunities.
“I will prioritize student safety, wellness, and quality of education by collaborating with teachers, students, parents, and administrators,” Nair told indica.
Her campaign emphasized the need for timely interventions to prevent students from entering the juvenile justice system, advocating instead for on-campus resolutions. She also supports maintaining school resource officers (SROs) on campuses to ensure safety.
Remarkably, Nair brings years of experience to her new role. She served as chair of the district’s Wellness Committee, where she introduced mental health guidelines, wellness gardens, and anonymous reporting systems. She also played a key role in adding Hindi to the curriculum, making Fremont Unified the first district in California to do so.
“I decided to find a platform that could effectively convey students’ needs,” Nair said. Her grassroots campaign was powered by a small team, including her mother. Despite lacking the high-profile endorsements her opponent received, Nair credits her win to widespread community support.
Nair was sworn in on December 18 and is already preparing for her first board meeting, where budget cuts totaling $38 million will be discussed.
“My priority will be to focus on how to get over the deficit,” she said, noting the need for $2.5 billion in facility repairs and upgrades identified in the district’s Long Range Facilities Plan.
Mental health resources remain central to her agenda, with plans to bolster counseling services and ensure students have access to competitive courses. She also aims to reform the complaint process to address issues between students and teachers.
“I want to foster a safe environment where we work collectively to create a world of empowerment and harmony for every student to achieve their aspirations,” Nair said.
Nair’s election marks a significant milestone, as she balances her role as a student and policymaker, demonstrating her commitment to the well-being and success of Fremont Unified students.
Nair’s mother Reema, told indica she is an ‘achiever’. “An individual who has set very high standards for herself and she wants to do the best,” Reema said. “During camping, she was relentless, moving from door to door. I used to get tired but not she.”
