Natomas School Board Election Winner

Sumiti Mehta First Indian Woman Elected to School Board Seat in Sacramento

Her husband and two sons accompany Sumiti Mehta as she takes the oath of public office administered by state Sen. Angelique Ashby, District 6.

By Shreya Prabhu
Staff Writer | The Pacific Times

Sumiti Mehta is blazing trails as she becomes the first Indian woman elected to a school board seat in Sacramento. On Dec. 13, 2024, Mehta took the oath of office for the Natomas Unified School Board. 

In the November General Election, Mehta was one of two candidates who ran for the Area 5 seat on the school board. She won with a slim lead of 3,461 votes (50.8%) over opponent Monique F. Langer with 3,352 votes. (49.2%). Area 5 is north of San Juan Road and west of Interstate 5 and includes Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep schools, Witter Ranch Elementary, and Paso Verde schools. 

Mehta is a mom of two who has dedicated more than 3,000 volunteer hours to Natomas Unified School District classrooms. She previously served as a Commissioner for the City of Sacramento Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Commission, a JIBE board member, an NP3 School Board member, a Natomas USD Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee member, and a board member of the National Women’s Political Caucus.

“I ran for the school board because I care deeply about our kids, youth, and schools..,” Mehta said. “I hope to bring my knowledge and passion for access to quality education to the role of Trustee, ensuring all students and families get the education they deserve.” 

As a school board member, Mehta hopes to illuminate the challenges faced by Natomas families in education by addressing her top priorities as a new school board member as enhancing student safety by supporting programs against bullying, improving mental health resources, and improving school security.

“I’m committed to closing the learning gap by advocating for inclusive policies, expanding resources for underperforming schools, and improving literacy rates so every student can succeed.,” Mehta said.

Mehta said she plans to support teachers and staff, by ensuring they have the resources, respect, and voice. She said she will prioritize transparency for the community, aiming to promote open decision-making processes, increase public discussions at board meetings, and ensure greater school accountability.

Mehta said she was thankful for those parents, students, and community who supported her campaign for school board. 

“Your engagement and dedication to our schools inspire me. This campaign has been an incredible journey, allowing me to connect with neighbors from Area 5,” said Mehta.”This milestone reflects the strength of our diverse community. The work begins now, and I’m ready to get started!”

From left to right: Natomas Unified school board trustee Noel Mora, trustee Ericka Harden, superintendent Dr. Robyn Castillo, trustee Micah Grant, trustee Sumiti Mehta, student board member Samara Swailim and trustee Scott Dosick.