Mary Pollett's Bio

Trustee Mary Hiền Pollett has served on the Evergreen School Board since 2022, embodying compassionate leadership with a balanced and comprehensive perspective, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. With a career spanning over two decades in education, encompassing roles as a teacher, administrator, and school board member, she brings a wealth of experience and distinctive qualities that define her as an exemplary leader.

Ms. Pollett is widely recognized for her outstanding contributions as an educator, having garnered accolades as an award-winning teacher and principal. Her dedication to teaching, which includes impactful stints at middle and high schools, as well as her tenure as principal at Yerba Buena High School, has earned her commendations from esteemed entities such as the City of San Jose Arenas, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Cortese and Lee, the California State Assembly Karla, California State Senate Beals, and U.S. Congress member Zoe Lofgren.

Prior to her illustrious educational career, Ms. Pollett embarked on a remarkable journey as a 20-year-old immigrant with limited English proficiency and only the clothes on her back. Through sheer determination and resilience, she attended night school while working as a manicurist and seamstress, eventually earning acceptance to UCLA. There, she attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and later completed her Master’s Degree in Administration (Education).

Ms. Pollett's upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work, the transformative power of education, and the importance of community. Grateful for the opportunities afforded to her in this country, she remains steadfast in her commitment to supporting our children, ensuring they have access to a future brimming with success and happiness.

Join us in rallying behind Mary Hiền Pollett, the dedicated leader championing progress for our Evergreen community.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• Recognition from Congressman, Ro Khanna in 2024
• Commendation from Board of Supervisor, Otto Lee in 2021
• Recognition from Congress Woman Zoe Lofgren in 2018 & 2020
• Commendation from State of California Senate, Beals in 2020
• Commendation from County Supervisor, Cortese in 2020
• Recognition from SJ Councilwoman, Arenas in 2020
• Commendations from California State Assembly in 2018 & 2020
• Recognition for Warrior Prides at Yerba Buena HS in 2013

SCHOOL AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• DBIA, Western States design build institute project of the year, 2019
• YWCA: Project Cornerstone Caring School Award, 2014
• Santa Clara County, Bold Steps for Children Award, 2013
• Glenn Hoffman: Exemplary Programs award for Santa Clara County (ADA recovery), 2013
• California State Golden Bell Award, College Connection Academy, 2015

SERVICE ACTIVITY:

• San Jose Mayoral Transition, Community Safety Committee, 2022-present
• COVID-19 Safety Committee member, 2019-2021
• Western Association of School and Colleges (WASC) Visiting committee member in various sites, 2013-present
• Initial Planning Curriculum (IPC), East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD), California, 2014- 2019
• Algebra I and Algebra II Benchmark Committee member, ESUHSD, California, 2008 - 2013