Saratoga mayor named ‘Woman of the Year’

Zhao is Woman of Year

State Sen. Dave Cortese named Saratoga Mayor Yan Zhao as the “Woman of the Year” for Senate District 15.

Cortese recognized Zhao at an April; 26 event for her leadership, contributions to the community and her efforts to promote inclusivity.

“It has been my privilege to serve our community, to advocate for equity, and to strive for a world where diversity is celebrated,” Zhao said in a release.

Cortese called Zhao a role model for leadership in the district and beyond.

“Mayor Yan Zhao’s impact on our community exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice,” he said.

New Foothill principal

Debbie Stewart has been named the new principal of Foothill Elementary School. The Saratoga Union School District board of trustees selected Stewart to replace Kim Dinsdale beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.

Stewart, who served the principal at Los Paseos Elementary School in Morgan Hill for seven years, was selected after an interview process that was informed by community input via focus groups and surveys.

“We are excited about Debbie’s depth of knowledge in elementary education, school administration and principalship,” Superintendent Ken Geisick said in a release. “We are also very thankful for the thoughtful input from the Foothill community through the hiring process.”

Dinsdale will be moving to San Diego, the release stated. Members of the community can meet Stewart at a meet-and-greet happening in early May.