Reed Union School District Appoints New Board Member

Technology investor Mike Ghaffary selected to fill unexpired trustee term

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

The Reed Union School District board of trustees has unanimously selected Mike Ghaffary, a technology investor and longtime community volunteer, to fill an unexpired trustee term. Ghaffary, a Tiburon resident with two children in district schools, was chosen from a pool of five applicants and was sworn in at the board's regular meeting on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The appointment of Ghaffary to the school board comes at a critical time, as the district faces ongoing challenges in maintaining academic excellence and supporting its students and families. Ghaffary's background in finance, community engagement, and public education experience are seen as valuable assets to the board.

The details

Ghaffary, a general partner at a venture capital firm, has served on over 15 private and nonprofit boards, as well as the Tiburon Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission. He has a master's degree from Harvard and a bachelor's in computer science from USC. Ghaffary attended California public schools for his entire K-12 education, including serving as a student trustee in high school.

  • Ghaffary was appointed to the board on February 6, 2026.
  • Ghaffary was sworn in at the regular board meeting on February 12, 2026.
  • Wangenheim's term, which Ghaffary is filling, was set to expire in November 2026.

The players

Mike Ghaffary

A technology investor and longtime community volunteer who was selected to fill an unexpired trustee term on the Reed Union School District board.

Shelby Pasarell Tsai

The president of the Reed Union School District board of trustees.

Kimberly McGrath

The superintendent of the Reed Union School District.

Sherry Wangenheim

The previous trustee whose unexpired term Ghaffary is filling, after Wangenheim resigned due to a move out of the area.

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What they’re saying

“The board is thrilled to welcome Mike Ghaffary. He brings a depth of financial and board experience and a demonstrated commitment to the district, based on prior work on district committees and as a coach for our middle school Mathletes.”

— Shelby Pasarell Tsai, Board President (marinij.com)

“Mike was a high-quality candidate who brings a wealth of broad experiences and a heart for community engagement. His deep-rooted commitment to our community, combined with an unwavering dedication to our students and families, makes him an invaluable addition to the board.”

— Kimberly McGrath, Superintendent (marinij.com)

“I received an excellent public school education. I would love to give back and help ensure excellence in education for as many students as possible in our community.”

— Mike Ghaffary (marinij.com)

What’s next

The district will conduct an election on November 3, 2026 for a candidate to serve a full four-year term on the board.

The takeaway

The appointment of Mike Ghaffary, with his strong background in finance, community engagement, and public education experience, is seen as a valuable addition to the Reed Union School District board as they work to maintain academic excellence and support students and families in the community.