Chinmay Nagarkar and Natalie Anderson are running for Issaquah School Board, Director District 2 in the November 2025 general election. The two candidates answered a series of questions in the fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine.
Ballots will be sent in the mail Oct. 17. Be sure to vote by Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.
1. Introduce yourself.
Chinmay – I’m Chinmay Nagarkar—family man, STEM / Olympiad mentor, and Stanford-trained technologist leading engineering programs at Google. We moved to this district for the schools, and my daughter thrived in the special-education programs until she graduated two years ago. My son is homeschooled so he can pursue his passion for math. Life has taught me that one size doesn’t fit all, and incredible talent often hides in plain sight. No Talent can be Left Behind. VoteChinmay.org.
Natalie – I am Natalie Anderson and I am running for Issaquah School Board Director, District 2. With a strong background in school volunteerism and community involvement, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. I look forward to working collaboratively with parents, students, educators, and community members to ensure the success and well-being of our children.
2. What inspired you to run for Issaquah School Board and what’s your top priority if elected?
Chinmay – Routine concerns about spending and declining outcomes prompted me to review budgets and results. After thousands of doorsteps in my campaign, I hear the same ask—safe, focused classrooms that prepare young adults for college or the trades. My priority is linking the superintendent’s evaluation to clear “North Star” targets —e.g., 90% K–3 reading proficiency by 2026, equal academic and extra-curricular opportunities across district schools, and a one-click “Goals-vs-Outcomes” dashboard on the ISD website.
Natalie – I have two children in the Issaquah School District and what inspired me to run is my passion for protecting and promoting programs such as Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Ensuring every student feels valued and supported is a top priority. If elected, I will work tirelessly to uphold and expand these programs, fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and have more opportunities for their future.
3. What leadership qualities do you bring that make you the right choice for a director position?
Chinmay – I am a great listener, skilled at focusing on what we share in common and synthesizing new ideas that incorporate the best of all views. I’m pro-student — committed to academic / career outcomes. I’m pro-teacher — committed to cutting red tape, protecting prep time. I’m pro-parent, committed to collaboration with families to support student success. I’m a pro-taxpayer, committed to responsible spending and accountability. I will represent everyone in this district, not the special interests.
Natalie – I bring strong leadership qualities, including collaboration, excellent communication, and dedication to education. With two decades of aerospace leadership experience, four years in Quality, and experience serving on a PTA Board, I have honed my skills in strategic planning, team management, and problem-solving. I am also known for my ability to inspire and motivate teams, adapt to changing environments, and make data-driven decisions to achieve the best outcomes.
4. How will you ensure all students—regardless of background or learning style—have access to a high-quality education?
Chinmay – We need to broaden opportunities + refocus funds on Science of Reading in K–3, targeted tutoring for the lowest quartile, faithful implementation of IEP/504 plans, reduce punishment disparities, and district-wide enforcement of phone-free instruction so teachers can focus on teaching. Let us expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) labs, dual-credit (with Bellevue College, Renton Tech, LWTech), paid internships with industry support, fee waivers, and transportation help for economically disadvantaged students, engaging the community to help.
Natalie – I will ensure all students have access to high-quality education by advocating for differentiated instruction, which tailors teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. I will also advocate for providing necessary resources and support services, promoting a culturally responsive curriculum, and engaging with parents, teachers, and community members. These strategies will help create an inclusive and supportive educational environment that meets the needs of all students, regardless of their background or learning style.
5. What is your long-term vision for the Issaquah School District, and how would you help us get there?
Chinmay – We have a highly educated and diverse community with access to resources. My vision is for a large plurality of students to read at grade level if they are in school, for all classrooms to be safe and welcoming to ideas, and for all high school graduates to be college- or career-ready. Achieving this requires trust, including SMART goals, public accountability, community engagement, teacher investment, significant CTE growth, and prioritizing basic infrastructure over big-ticket projects.
Natalie – My long-term vision for the Issaquah School District is to continue to support inclusive, innovative, and high-performing educational environment. I will advocate for integrating cutting-edge technology and teaching methods, ensuring access to a well-rounded education, prioritizing mental health and well-being, and fostering strong community partnerships. By focusing on these areas, we can create a supportive network that enhances the educational experience and ensures the success of our students.
6. What was your favorite subject in high school?
Chinmay – Physics—it blends curiosity, creativity, math, and problem-solving. Physics connects thought experiments to real-world experiments. That is how I approach policy: imagine, test, measure, and improve.
Natalie – My In school, I always looked forward to English class. I loved diving into stories, exploring different themes, and sharing my thoughts through writing. It helped me become a better communicator, think more deeply, and get creative. These skills are so important for being a good leader because they help me share my ideas, motivate others, and build strong connections which to me will be so important in the School Board Director role.
Candidate statements not edited by Highlands Council.
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah Mayor
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 1
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 5
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah City Council, Position 6
- Meet the candidates running for Issaquah School Board, Director District 4
- Meet the candidates running for Washington State Senate, District 5
As published in fall 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
