
Laura Casas
Appointed in 2005 · First elected in 2007
Term through 2028Foothill-De Anza · Trustee Area 4
Election Day · November 3, 2026
Foothill-De Anza Community College District is governed by five elected trustees, each representing a geographic trustee area.
In 2026, voters in Trustee Area 4 will elect a new representative to succeed retiring Trustee Pearl Cheng, currently the Board’s only Asian American trustee. Trustee Areas 1, 3, and 5 will next hold elections in 2028. The 2026 election for Trustee Area 2 is uncontested.
Trustee Area 4 includes the attendance areas for all of Cupertino High, all of Lynbrook High, and most of Monta Vista High.

This map shows all five Foothill-De Anza Community College District trustee areas.

Why Area 4 Matters
Although elected by Area 4 voters, the trustee will vote on districtwide priorities affecting both Foothill and De Anza colleges—including education, budgets, facilities, student services, workforce programs, community partnerships, and long-term direction.

Appointed in 2005 · First elected in 2007
Term through 2028
Appointed January 15, 2025
2026 election · Running unopposed
First elected in November 2016
Term through 2028
?Appointed in 2008 · First elected in 2009

First elected in November 2024
Term through 2028Source: Foothill-De Anza Community College District, Board of Trustees
Liang Chao is best suited to represent you!
As a current Foothill-De Anza student, educator, technologist, longtime public servant, community advocate, and parent whose family has benefited from community college opportunities, Liang brings firsthand student experience and years of public-sector leadership and community advocacy to the role.