YeduKondalu “YK” Chalamcherla has announced his candidacy for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD) Board of Education, representing Trustee Area 2, in the upcoming November 2024 election.
Chalamcherla, who has served the Folsom community as a City Councilmember and Vice Mayor in 2023 and various volunteer roles, is seeking to bring his experience and commitment to the FCUSD Board for the first time. Due to earlier redistricting of city council required by law, Chalamcherla is ineligible to continue representing on the Folsom City Council at the end of his term this year as he does not reside in the district. He cites that his dedication and commitment to serve the people is prompting him to run for the school board.
Chalamcherla’s journey began in a small farming village in southern India, where his parents instilled in him the importance of education and community service. After earning a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, Chalamcherla moved to the United States in 2000 to begin a career in technology, eventually settling in Folsom in 2002.
Since becoming a local resident, he has been a passionate advocate for the Folsom community, serving on the Folsom City Council and volunteering in numerous local organizations, including Folsom Hope, Schools PTA, High School Sober Grad Night Committee, Crossing Guard, Youth In Government Programs, HART of Folsom, Kiwanis Club, Friends of Folsom, Folsom Community Service Day Steering Committee Member, and many more, as he shares in his campaign announcement.
“My commitment to our community is unwavering,” said Chalamcherla, as he shared his official announcement with Folsom Times early Friday. “From planting trees to helping residents find jobs, I have always been dedicated to making Folsom a better place for everyone. I am proud to share that I was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2022 for my services.”
Chalamcherla went on to detail the items he will focus on as a priority if elected as the Area 2 Trustee. Among the list of target items is; enhancing safety across all school campuses ; improving traffic and pedestrian safety during drop-off and pick-up; focus on renovating and building new schools to meet district growth; ensure fiscal accountability and transparency; value our dedicated teachers and staff; be more considerate of special needs kids; strengthen connections with trade education and pathways to technical training and careers, as not everyone can afford college, according to his statement.
“Additionally, national research shows that 7 to 10% of youth become homeless,” Chalamcherla adds. “We need creative solutions to provide them with trade skills for success. This is an extensive list, but I am confident that I will address these issues in collaboration with my fellow Trustees.”
Chalamcherla added that he is “eager to work with parents, teachers, and community members to ensure that every student in the district has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
The community is invited to join YK in his campaign by following him on social media, attending upcoming events, and participating in volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit YKforSchools.com or follow YKforSchools on Facebook and Instagram. His newly launched campaign website can be found at www.ykforschools.com
