Candidate for
Board Member; East Side Union High School District

Family Background

Khanh D. Tran is a South Vietnamese refugee. Following the fall of South Vietnam in April 30, 1975, he left South Vietnam with his family to escape communism. He grew up in the East San Jose and went to secondary school at J.W. Fair and Independence High School. In 1985, he graduated from East Side Union High School District and was accepted to San Jose State University. Khanh Tran attended several local colleges and universities and later earned a B.S. Degree in Management as well as a M.A. Degree in Management. Today, Khanh Tran is working to complete his Doctor in Education Degree (Ed.D) at the University of Phoenix.

Career

In 1989, Khanh Tran founded Microshell Corporation. Upon its failure in 1991, he returned to work for his former school district as a para-educator, computer lab aide, and telecommunication technician. Khanh Tran was appointed Site Representative for California Schools Employees Association (CSEA) during his employment at East Side. In 1995, Khanh Tran was promoted to Systems and Network Manager and joined membership to the Association of California Schools Administrators (ACSA). At East Side, he helped to architect and manage San Jose Education Network. He coordinated Netday 96 activities as well as managed and developed proposals for San Jose Education Network, its Summer Institutes, Joint Venture Silicon Valley, and other technological projects. His dedication and service to the district brought successful deliveries of technology into East Side classrooms.

In 1999, Khanh Tran accepted a promotion to Coordinator II working for Information Technology Department of San Joaquin County Office of Education. He also started teaching part-time for the School of Information Technology and Engineering at National University and the University of Phoenix.

In 2000, Khanh Tran joined industry management rank working for an established electronic commerce firm. In 2001, he joined EDS as a Network Security Consultant and work at EDS until this date.

Politics

In 1998, Khanh Tran started to be politically active. He was campaign manager for Patricia Martinez-Roach for 23rd Assembly District.

In 2002, he ran for the East Side School Board and received 20,849 votes.

During the recall season, Khanh Tran was a member of Governor Gray Davis "No On Recall" subcommittee. During the March 2004 primary election, he campaigned for John Kerry nomination for President, and he also ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination to the California State Assembly, District 23.