November 2022 Board of Education Candidates
NOTE: The formerly recalled school board commissioner Gabriela López also ran in the November 2022 Board of Education race but she filed for candidacy after SF Parent Action conducted its candidate research and pre-endorsement process with families.
“If you build it, they will come.” If we provide the programming and resources that our families want (language pathways, STEM programs, inclusion, etc) at under-enrolled schools, families will be more likely to consider these schools.”
Budget - The candidate’s policy focuses on increasing sources of revenue for the most part. They do share some important ideas on making programs more effective specifically for literacy but it is unclear how these will specifically improve the budget deficit. Their efforts to fix the budget rely on methods that are longer term such as changing the city budget and lobbying for more money at the state level which while potentially good ideas do not recognize the current budget crisis.
Literacy - Supports SF Parent Coalition’s platform on commitment to improving literacy instruction and student reading outcomes at SFUSD.
Governance - On this question, while the candidate self-assigned a grade of 3 to themselves, they also shared that they “don’t always agree with “following the lead” of the superintendent and staff. I think it’s very important to acknowledge the great work happening in our district.” These appear to be inconsistent.
Stance on February 2022 School Board Recall - Opposed the recall
“While I generally support improving literacy, I believe right now that students need social-emotional support that will prepare them to succeed in new academic programs.”
Budget - The candidate focuses on increasing sources of revenue for SFUSD but they do not offer any concrete strategies of doing so. See quotes above.
Literacy - Does not know if she supports SF Parent Coalition’s platform on commitment to improving literacy instruction and student reading outcomes at SFUSD.
Governance - The candidate does not demonstrate a clear alignment with the SF parents guidelines on the role of the board and of that of the board members. Their answers point to areas that are not necessarily aligned with their self-assigned scores. They demonstrate a lack of concrete and actionable policies they would take on as a board member. Their statement lacks focus and understanding of constraints of the reality of SFUSD and the concerns of the SF parents community.
Stance on February 2022 School Board Recall - Opposed the recall
“I will not ask for more money until we know that we are spending the money we already have effectively and efficiently! We the board members should represent the values, needs, and desires of our communities.”
Budget - Ann is very pragmatic about the budget crisis and in their statement takes a fiscally conservative stance focusing on working within the existing budget vs seeking more funds. They reference a financial spending framework for schools and are focused on transparency from the administration.
Literacy - Supports SF Parent Coalition’s platform on commitment to improving literacy instruction and student reading outcomes at SFUSD.
Governance - Ann demonstrates an understanding of constraints and a familiarity with the workings of both SFUSD as well the board and the role of a board member.
Stance on February 2022 School Board Recall - Was an active supporter of the recall including helping found and lead the Chinese/API Voter Outreach Taskforce.
“Outcomes, not inputs. The budget should reflect student priorities and outcomes. Not vice versa.”
“We cannot forget our collective purpose as adults to both serve our youth now and set them up for successful futures. This is why I am focused on student outcomes, fiscal accountability, and community partnership.”
Budget - The candidate frames the budget discussion with a clear understanding of the on-the-ground reality which reflects their experience both as a member of the BOE. They are pragmatic about the constraints and focused on accountability, transparency and outcomes. They demonstrate an understanding of the current gaps (e.g. pointed out that SFUSD does not follow state guidelines)
Literacy - Supports SF Parent Coalition’s platform on commitment to improving literacy instruction and student reading outcomes at SFUSD.
Governance - The candidate demonstrates a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a board member including of the landscape of SFUSD and the priorities and challenges it faces. They show a consistent engagement with the parent community (visited many school sites) and shared ideas on continuing to expand this engagement.
Stance on February 2022 School Board Recall - The candidate supported the recall.
“Excellence and equity in education go hand-in-hand. You can’t have one without the other. For far too long, these concepts have been pitted against one another and it has resulted in adults fighting and students getting further harmed.”
Budget - The candidate’s budget focus while alluding to increased funding via a ballot measure acknowledges the constraints of SFUSD and focuses on the budget being student centered and focused on student outcomes. Their response also acknowledges looking at impact to school sites and looking at central administration. They advocate for more communication and transparency around the budget.
Literacy - Supports SF Parent Coalition’s platform on commitment to improving literacy instruction and student reading outcomes at SFUSD.
Governance - The candidate demonstrates a clear understanding of the responsibilities of a board member and the challenges of SFUSD. They have engaged with the parent community and shared good ideas on better engagement beyond the BOE meetings.
Stance on February 2022 School Board Recall - The candidate supported the recall.
