His Story
From Refugee Camp to School Board Candidate
Paul Pham knows what opportunity means because he had to fight for it. As a child, Paul fled Vietnam alone by boat, survived life in a refugee camp in Thailand, and entered the foster care system in the United States. He endured hardship without parents by his side — but he stayed focused, and built a life through education, discipline, and perseverance.
Paul earned his CPA license and has worked in public accounting since 2007, specializing in financial and compliance audits for public agencies, school districts, nonprofits, and federally funded programs. He is a partner at Chavan & Associates LLP and a small restaurant business owner in San Jose.
Today, Paul is an ESUHSD parent and the President of the Story Road Business Association. He is running for school board because students deserve real opportunity, teachers deserve support, and families deserve accountability from district leadership.
Paul with his daughters — ESUHSD students
What Drives Him
Three Things Paul Believes
Accountability Starts at the Top
Paul has spent his career holding public agencies accountable through rigorous auditing. He will bring that same discipline to ESUHSD's budget, contracts, and decision-making.
Students and Teachers Come First
Every budget decision should start with one question: does this help students learn and teachers teach? Paul will fight to protect classrooms and the people in them.
Opportunity Changes Lives
Paul's own story proves it. He will work to ensure every ESUHSD student has access to pathways that lead somewhere — college, career, or entrepreneurship.
Community Roots
Deep Ties to East San Jose
As President of the Story Road Business Association, Paul works every day to strengthen the East San Jose community. He understands the challenges facing working families in Trustee Area 1 — and he has the relationships and credibility to bring the community's voice into the boardroom.
17+
Years in public accounting
Yes
ESUHSD parent
President
Story Road Business Association
