Northern San Mateo County families have had few public K-8 choices — Oceanlight is here to change that. We’re a proposed tuition-free TK-8 public charter school created for the planet and for the future.
Like all public schools, we follow state standards, but our team has the freedom to design learning that is hands-on, meaningful, and innovative. At Oceanlight, every child belongs to a vibrant, caring community where learning is active and purpose-driven. Together, we nurture confident changemakers who are ready to shape their world — starting today.
Our founding team and board bring together decades of educational leadership, hands-on classroom experience, executive business acumen, and deep community roots. United by a belief in equitable, innovative learning for all, we blend expertise in project-based teaching, organizational strategy, legal and financial stewardship, environmental education, and family partnership. Supported by an accomplished advisory council and a community of skilled professional collaborators, our team is committed to building a welcoming, vibrant school community where every child can thrive.
Shivani
CFO & COO, New Sun Road; Board Treasurer, Institute for Sustainable Communities
A strategic leader in renewable energy finance and operations, Shivani Ganguly brings 25 years of experience in technology, sustainability, and organizational growth. Her passion for equitable education and fiscal stewardship strengthens Oceanlight’s foundation.
LiLing
Co-Founder & Former CEO, Trekaroo
Co-Founder of Trekaroo, a travel platform that connects families to meaningful, learning-rich experiences, LiLing Pang brings an entrepreneurial drive and organizational leadership to help Oceanlight realize its mission to be a school for the planet.
Don
Social Science Educator, Mills High School
Veteran educator and union leader, Don Burdette has 34 years of experience fostering collaboration and equity in public schools. As a parent and advocate for inclusion, he’s committed to building an engaging, student-centered community at Oceanlight.
Christina
Attorney, Beazley
Legal professional and devoted public school volunteer, Christina Lee brings skills in litigation management and a passion for accessible, high-quality learning to Oceanlight’s board governance.
Kelly
Education Consultant
Kelly Mendoza, PhD specializes in building digital wellness and student-centered education programs. Her strategic vision and nonprofit leadership experience are key to Oceanlight’s launch.
Karen
Physician; Community Leader
A medical educator and dedicated school/parent leader, Karen Kee, MD excels in organizational and community building. She is passionate about creating inclusive environments where students thrive.
Randy
Educational Author & Consultant
National thought leader in equity and social-emotional learning, Randy Ross brings deep empathy-driven learning expertise and a track record in systemic educational change.
Joan
Former School Board Member; Educator
Joan Weideman blends board policy expertise with hands-on classroom experience, dedicated to improving student opportunities and strengthening communities.
Beccy
Middle School Science & Math Educator
Innovative and tech-savvy, Beccy Howarth champions STEM and social-emotional integration for all learners, ensuring every student can succeed.
Sandy
Former Elementary Science Educator
Veteran teacher and environmental educator, Sandy Mills inspires curiosity through hands-on learning and dynamic classroom experiences.
Rachael
Social Science Teacher; Volunteer
Equity-focused curriculum designer and active parent/volunteer, Rachael Reimers builds programs that support diverse students and strengthen school community ties.
Ryan
Educator; Curriculum Leader
Project-based learning champion and curriculum innovator, Ryan Long’s collaborative spirit enriches Oceanlight’s academic programming.
Jen L.
Technology Support & Education Leader
Jen Ly has enhanced learning experiences through technology support and education and product management at research universities for 20+ years. Her ability to build sustainable solutions and partnerships and advocate for students supports Oceanlight’s mission.
Jen H.
Migration & Modernization Advisor, Amazon Web Services
Strategic technology leader with 18 years’ experience in product management and engineering at Fortune 500 firms, Jen Hsu excels at building cross-functional teams and launching large-scale initiatives. Her expertise in business modeling and digital transformation supports Oceanlight’s growth and operations.
Eric
Applied Researcher & Service Designer
A mission-driven consultant and serial founder, Eric Chávez brings over a decade of experience in strategic planning and capacity building for global education nonprofits. His strengths in project management and communications advance Oceanlight’s mission through grant writing and stakeholder engagement.
Chris
IT Consultant
Hands-on technology specialist and longtime school IT volunteer, Chris Romero has nearly two decades’ experience supporting school district network infrastructure and digital safety. His leadership ensures secure, reliable technology for Oceanlight’s learning environments.
SEI
Environmental nonprofit consultancy building leaders that accelerate climate solutions in K-12 education.
New Sun Road
Accelerating energy and internet access for underserved communities around the world.
... and more soon