Candidates for Board of Education

Not all candidates submit a statement of qualifications. A complete list of candidates appears on the sample ballot. Statements are volunteered by the candidates and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency. Statements are published as submitted. Spelling and grammatical errors have not been corrected.

MONICA CHINCHILLA

My occupation is Education Advocate.

My qualifications are:

As a mother and an experienced education advocate, I believe every child needs equitable access to a rigorous high-quality education.

My priorities are:

• Teacher Support -- livable wages so educators can live and work in San Francisco;

• Strong Start -- building a solid foundation by prioritizing Pre-K through 3rd grade education;

• Community Schools -- integrating support services for families onsite at each school

As campaign manager for the historic soda tax proposition, my work resulted in an increase of $15 million annually into our city’s budget, money used to improve the health of San Francisco children and families.

As coordinator of the Latino Parity and Equity Coalition, I brought an investment of $800,000 for new programs and services for the Latino community.

As commissioner for the Southeast Community Facility, I brought education and workforce opportunities for residents in the area.

My supporters include:

Mayor London Breed

President of the Board of Supervisors Malia Cohen

Board of Education Commissioners Shamann Walton and Mark Sanchez

City College Trustees Brigitte Davila, Shanell Williams, and Thea Selby

Public Defender Jeff Adachi

SF Democratic Party Chair David Campos

Former State Superintendent of Public Schools Delaine Eastin

Former Mayor Art Agnos

National Union of Healthcare Workers

SF Firefighters Local 798

SEIU Local 1021

LiUNA Local 261

Sheet Metal Workers Local 104

Carpenters Local 22

Plumbers Local 38

Painters and Drywall Finishers Local 913

Carpet, Linoleum & Soft Tile Workers Local 12

Glaziers, Architectural Metal & Glass Workers Local 718

Vote CHINCHILLA!

www.MonicaChinchilla.com

Monica Chinchilla

ALISON COLLINS

My occupation is Educator and Parent Organizer.

My qualifications are:

I am a former SFUSD teacher with a masters in education from San Francisco State University. I have 20+ years experience increasing teacher effectiveness, improving school safety, and increasing opportunity for underserved youth. I co-founded the San Francisco Families Union, which educates and empowers families to successfully advocate for quality public schools. I am an active member of the African-American Parent Advisory Council. I also serve on the Parent Teacher Organization and School Site Council at my children’s school.

My accomplishments include:

• Raised over $1M for renovations at Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary in the Bayview.

• Worked with Chinese speaking families to secure full-time teaching staff after months of substitutes

• Designed anti-bullying student leadership programs, delivered to hundreds of educators in Northern California schools.

My top priorities will be:

• Safe schools: physically, emotionally, culturally

• Every child is academically challenged and supported

• Improved communication and transparency

• Expand community schools and hold charters accountable

Endorsements include:

United Educators of San Francisco

Service Employees International Union

National Union of Healthcare Workers

SF Board of Supervisors:

Sandra Fewer

Jane Kim

Rafael Mandelman

Aaron Peskin

Hillary Ronen

Norman Yee

SFUSD Board of Education:

Stevon Cook

Matt Haney

Hydra Mendoza

Mark Sanchez

Shamann Walton

Learn more at:

www.alisoncollinssf.com

www.sfpsmom.com

Alison Collins

ALIDA FISHER

My occupation is Parent / Education Consultant.

My qualifications are:

I’m the mother of four SFUSD students, including a 2018 Mission High graduate. In the thirteen years my children have attended SFUSD, I have been an active parent and volunteer at seven schools. I am Chair of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, an African American Parent Advisory Committee member, and an LCAP Task Force member. As an education advocate, I work with families to ensure that our voices are heard. As a former foster parent and adoptive parent of African American children, I am particularly passionate about the issues of equity and social justice.

I’ve attended hundreds of district Board of Education meetings. I’m ready to do more than comment at meetings; I want to ensure that we consider our most vulnerable students and families in every decision, resolution, and guideline. I want to be the next member of the Board of Education.

My priorities:

• Make every student feel welcome, included, and valued at school

• Provide supports and interventions so all students are proficient readers by third grade

• Accelerate staff retention incentives such as teacher housing and mentoring programs for new teachers and paras

• Increase budget and decision making accountability and transparency at every level

www.alidafisher.com

Alida Fisher

PHILLIP MARCEL HOUSE

My qualifications are:

The purpose of this statement is to convey to the reader why I want to be on the Board of Education. I got a BS in Business Administration from San Francisco State University got a Job as a Teacher enjoyed it. I have been sing in the Glide Choir for 5 years, playing the Bass at Gratia Community Church, and with the San Francisco Opera.

Phillip Marcel House

DR. PAUL KANGAS, JD, ND.

My occupation is Doctor and Private Investigator.

My qualifications are:

We must pay teachers the same as police, to motivate students & “Dreamers” to go into teaching. Raise money for teachers salaries, by adding 1,000 solar panels on each school, making solar a major source of funding, earmarked for teachers, -thus reducing taxes. Require PG&E to pay solar schools $0.49 kwh, who’s failure to trim trees, burned Napa, Sonoma, Lake Counties, etc. Solar is the best longterm investment SF can make for our teachers. “The #1 issue we face is global warming.” —Bernie 2020. SFUSD must improve the African American graduation rates. Black Lives Matter.

Dr. Paul Kangas, JD, ND, Passed SF Nuclear Free Zone ‘87. Hastings Law College ‘75, Raised 3 kids in SF schools.

Taught Law & Private Investigations for 7 years. ILWU ‘68.

Today I work as a criminal defense PI & Doctor in SF schools, streets & jails.

Created first Earth Day, SFSU, 4/22/68, (SF Examiner 9/30/2006)

Former SF Drug Commissioner. Found a vitamin C cure for Lyme.

US Navy 60-64: guard for President Kennedy, Cuban invasion, Vietnam.

See me at: Youtube: paul8kangas & “Highwire”. 877- 912-7529, 1pm.

Enough sun hits SF in one hour, to power every school for one year.

Endorsed by: Attorney Christina Chen, Teacher Lynn Carberry, Sen. Mark Leno, Dr. Christina Hicks, Chiropractor, Dr. David Latch, DC, & Dr. Richard Kunin, MD, Nutritional Medicine.

Dr. Paul Kangas

PHIL KIM

My occupation is Public School Educator.

My qualifications are:

As a 7th and 8th grade public school science teacher, I have worked to close the achievement gap among our most marginalized communities. I now lead teachers and leaders on curriculum and instructional practices, and oversee teaching and learning for science, technology, and engineering. I am the only candidate running for school board that has experience as a teacher in Bay Area schools, an M.A. in urban education policy and administration, and has worked at the state and national levels in STEM education policy.

I am the son of Korean immigrants and a product of public schools. Many issues that families and residents face today – affordability, access to a high-quality school, housing – are struggles that my parents and I worked to overcome.

I have both the professional and personal experience that uniquely qualifies me to bring much needed reform to our schools. My priorities are:

• Improving teacher retention and sustainability

• Streamlining the student assignment system

• Expanding Science, Technology, Engineering and Math programs

• Deepening family and community partnership

I am committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality, safe, and supportive school. Join State Senator Scott Wiener, City College Trustee Alex Randolph, teachers, and families to put kids first.

www.philkim.org

Phil Kim

CONNOR KRONE

My occupation is Financial Literacy Educator.

My qualifications are:

Visit www.ConnorKrone.com to watch and hear why I believe we need real educators representing San Francisco children.

Our public schools remain a realm of inequity, unable to make up for the long-term effects of poverty, racism, and other deeply rooted injustices. Decide for yourself: across our 136 schools, only 50% of students scored proficient or above on the state’s CAASPP math and English tests. Half of San Francisco students are not meeting California’s own learning standards. Fixing these issues is complicated. I want to be blunt: these are not problems a parent or aspiring politician are equipped to fix. I want you to vote for a candidate with a track record in public education.

That’s me; I have ten years of experience breaking barriers in public education. In San Francisco I founded a financial education non-profit to combat the student loan crisis. In my career I have mentored high school students to become entrepreneurs, worked for the College Board to bring STEM coaching to minorities, developed a K-5 robotics curriculum, and run a city-wide youth leadership program. I am proud of my work for San Francisco students. Help me continue with your vote.

Connor Krone

LEX LEIFHEIT

My occupation is Parent / Public Servant.

My qualifications are:

I’m running for School Board because I believe public education is fundamental to building a more equitable city. As a public school parent with young children I’ve seen the barriers families face to a good education. Not enough is being done to address achievement gaps and build long-term sustainability. SFUSD has one of the highest opt-out rates in the country and this has to change.

As the first Nonprofit Business Development Manager in San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development* I’ve used my professional policy and budgeting background to support childcare and afterschool programs facing displacement, design policy to activate underutilized property, and administer financial assistance to protect neighborhood services and cultural resources.

I have worked to increase educator wages, make early childcare accessible to all, and support educator housing. But there is more work to do.

My priorities are:

• Closing the achievement gap

• Building enrollment and parent engagement

• Activating underutilized property for community benefit

• Preparing students for good jobs by leveraging arts education and STEM innovation

It’s time to have a truly unified SF Unified School District. Join me and let’s build a bright future for public schools.

*Organization for identification purposes only

Lex Leifheit

GABRIELA LÓPEZ

My occupation is Public School Teacher.

My qualifications are:

My qualifications are:

I am a bilingual classroom teacher in San Francisco public schools. I have worked in education for over ten years, and understand why it’s critical to ensure all students have access to a quality education.

Working with administrators, parents and educators as the Arts Coordinator and Union Building Representative, I serve on the School Site Council and help oversee the +$74 million dollar Public Education Enrichment Fund.

I also organize with Teachers 4 Social Justice and teach at San Quentin State Prison, to help interrupt the school to prison pipeline by promoting literacy and math learning.

My priorities are:

Quality Schools from Childcare to College

• Ensuring access to the arts and updated technology in every school

• Increasing academic and language supports for Families

• Investing in the recruitment and retention of quality educators

Directing More Resources to Classrooms and Special Education

• Addressing mental health and wellness by providing nurses and counselors at every school

• Providing Smaller Class Size

Increasing Services for students and families:

• Improving Student Assignment- implementing online and real-time enrollment

• Expanding Affordability & Housing options for families and educators

I will bring a knowledgeable voice, with integrity and experience to the San Francisco Board of Education.

Endorsements:

San Francisco Board of Education Members:

• Mark Sanchez

• Hydra Mendoza, President

San Francisco Board of Supervisors:

• Sandra Lee Fewer- District 1

• Jane Kim- District 6

• Hillary Ronen- District 9

David Campos,Chair- San Francisco Democratic Party

Karen Zapata & Jeremiah Jeffries, Teachers 4 Social Justice

And many more!

www.gabrielalopez.org

Gabriela López

LI MIAO LOVETT

My occupation is Academic Counselor.

My qualifications are:

I have worked in public education for two decades after earning degrees from Stanford University and California Institute of Integral Studies. In the nineties, I started a mentoring program in the Bayview, did crisis counseling with teens at Huckleberry House, and worked with immigrant students in the Mission. As a teachers’ union leader and activist, I worked on the front lines to keep City College of San Francisco from closure during the 4 ½-year accreditation crisis, keeping the doors of access open for immigrants, high school grads, veterans, ESL learners—all who benefit from a college education. With the passage of Free City College, I did outreach with a coalition of community groups so that San Franciscans can achieve their goals without the burden of college debt. As an academic counselor, I’ve supported thousands of students on their college paths, including SFUSD high school seniors enrolled in Early College.

As a School Board member, I’d build on initiatives that foster academic success, equity, and social-emotional learning. I plan to enhance college and career guidance for students, advocate for families in need and communities with access barriers, support and retain our teachers coping with the affordability crisis.

For endorsements, visit www.lilovett.com.

Li Miao Lovett

FAAUUGA MOLIGA

My occupation is School Social Worker / Parent.

My qualifications are:

I’m a parent and mental health professional who grew up in San Francisco’s projects and graduated from Balboa High School.

I’ve developed programs that have created a pathway for young women to gain college admission, decreased truancy, and increased enrollment in San Francisco’s public schools. Currently, I provide counseling to public school students suffering from trauma.

My goal as Board Commissioner will be to create a safe and supportive learning environment by establishing wellness centers in every public school, implementing a community-based approach to school sites and supporting our educators with benefits that ensure a high-level of retention.

I’m committed to improving our public schools by implementing holistic policies that focus on the well-being of students and staff. I humbly ask for your vote.

Achievements

Master of Social Work, San Jose State University

McCoy Award, YMCA San Francisco Association

Community Builder Award, The Perlman Foundation

Supporters

United Educators of San Francisco

National Union of Healthcare Workers

Service Employees International Union 1021

London Breed

David Campos

Lateefah Simon

Rafael Mandelman

Sandra Fewer

Jeff Adachi

Hillary Ronen

Ahsha Safai

Aaron Peskin

Bevan Dufty

Matt Haney

Shamann Walton

www.faauugamoliga.com

Faauuga Moliga

DARRON A. PADILLA

My occupation is Organization Development Consultant.

My qualifications are:

Born and raised in California with six siblings, my parents and teachers instilled the values of dedication, hard work, and education in us. For this reason, I am passionate about the opportunity to serve SFUSD Board of Education and help SFUSD be known as a world-class educational ecosystem that develops the highest quality of students who are prepared to enter universities and colleges as well-rounded, diverse, global citizens.

My qualifications to serve SFUSD is from my vast education and experience both in my volunteer work and professional career. In addition to being a volunteer building essential family homes with Habitat for Humanity, since 1999, I have been a volunteer educator/teacher for grade levels 2–12 in the Junior Achievement of Northern California 6-week curriculum, ranging from civics to mathematics. I’m a firm believer in education and family. I put myself through college at California State University, East Bay and earned my Masters in Organization Development at Pepperdine University.

I’m an experienced and highly intuitive organization effectiveness consultant known for helping leaders and communities reach their strategic goals. As a Board of Education member, my mission is to support SFUSD’s Vision 2025 roadmap, specifically access and equity, student achievement, and accountability.

Darron A. Padilla

MICHELLE PARKER

My occupation is Nonprofit Grantwriter / Parent.

My qualifications are:

I’m a parent of three San Francisco public school students. I’ve been an effective advocate and voice for parents and students for over a decade, because investing in public education is the key to improving opportunities for economic mobility and strengthening our communities.

I served as President of the San Francisco PTA, supporting parents in over 60 schools; co-founded the San Francisco Parent PAC to elevate parent voices to ensure San Francisco is a place where families can thrive; and served as Co-chair of the Quality Teacher Education Act Oversight Committee, making sure taxpayer funds are used to support quality teaching. I served on state-level education committees, giving me critical experience to serve San Francisco students. I am president of an arts education nonprofit, prioritizing racial justice and helping students learn critical thinking through the arts.

My priorities are:

• Universal Preschool

• Neighborhood Schools to ensure families can attend elementary schools near their home

• Returning Algebra and all accelerated math to middle school

• Expanding Career Technical Education

• Attracting and supporting excellent teachers

Please vote Michelle Parker for School Board!

www.michelleparker.org

Endorsers:

• Mayor London Breed

• Senator Scott Wiener

• Equalization Member Fiona Ma

• Assessor Carmen Chu

• Assemblymember David Chiu

• Supervisors: Catherine Stefani, Katy Tang, Vallie Brown, Ahsha Safai

• School Board: Shamann Walton, Rachel Norton, Emily Murase

• City College: Alex Randolph, Thea Selby

Michelle Parker

MARTIN RAWLINGS-FEIN

My occupation is Educator / Parent.

My qualifications are:

I am uniquely qualified to run for the Board of Education because I have twenty years of leadership experience in professional and volunteer settings. As a bi trans father of two public school students, I have served as a member of the School Site Council (SSC) and PTA and was the lead teacher and interim director of the Beit Sefer Phyllis Mintzer school at Sha’ar Zahav. I am an EdTech specialist at UCSF who knows the importance of a state of the art educational setting for our children.

Additionally, I have over two decades of activist experience fighting for trans youth and elders, patients in the Department of Corrections (CDCR), Native American communities and LGBTQ families. I’ve served in multiple public service positions and advocated for single-payer healthcare, marriage equality, and housing as a human right.

As a School Board Commissioner, I’ll bring my whole self to the challenges and opportunities around the assignment process, affordable housing, and supporting healthy school communities for all students.

Please join City College Trustee John Rizzo, BART Board Member Bevan Dufty, and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee Chair Becky Hogue in supporting my campaign for the Board of Education at www.martinrawlings-fein.com.

Martin Rawlings-Fein

MIA SATYA

My occupation is Case Manager / Author.

My qualifications are:

I’ve spent my career championing under-resourced youth. Now I’m running for School Board to end barriers to education and empower all youth to succeed.

I’ve served as Youth Commissioner, Transitional Age Youth Advisory Board Member, and Vice Chair of the Department of Children Youth and Their Families Oversight and Advisory Committee. My work has been honored by our Board of Supervisors and State Senate.

I have:

• Helped reauthorize the Children’s Fund and Public Enrichment Education Fund which brings $150+ million annually to public schools and afterschool programs.

• Co-created landmark LGBTQ diversity training for 9,000 city employees.

• Worked as a leader with community groups securing Free MUNI for 40,000 low-income youth.

I will:

• Reduce illiteracy and dropout rates for our students.

• Guarantee all students access to mental health treatment to end bullying and suicide in our schools.

• Achieve pay equity and housing for all teachers and students.

• Foster financial and political literacy for students.

My supporters include the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, former President of the Board of Supervisors Harry Britt, former Supervisor John Avalos, School Board Member Matt Haney, City College Trustee Thea Selby, and City College Trustee Shanell Williams.

Let’s ensure all students and educators thrive!

www.MiaSatya.com

Mia Satya

ROGER SINASOHN

My occupation is Software Developer.

My qualifications are:

There are very few aspects of the SFUSD where I don’t have personal experience and a vested interest. I have been involved with the SFUSD and public schools for most of my life in many capacities, including:

• Product of SFUSD schools

• Have three children attending SFUSD schools

• Served on school site council, on PTSA, and as classroom volunteer

• 19 years married to a 25-year public school teacher

• Developed software for public school districts for 14 years

We must address the achievement gap affecting so many of our most vulnerable students by ensuring equity across all schools and increasing exposure to STEAM subjects – technology and the arts – in the daily curriculum and as extra-curricular activities. All children deserve the opportunity to explore art and science every day. For some, sports are a strong motivator; we need to ensure that the artistically and scientifically minded students have as much encouragement and support as the athletically gifted students.

Our district serves families and children of all backgrounds, races, sexual orientations and gender identities. As the son of an immigrant refugee, I am committed to setting a standard for diversity that goes beyond tolerance, beyond acceptance, to celebration.

Roger Sinasohn

LENETTE THOMPSON

My occupation is Firefighter.

My qualifications are:

I am a mother of four kids and a fourth generation San Franciscan.

I was a student in the SFUSD for my K-12 journey and while some things have improved some things have not.

I have been a San Francisco Firefighter for 25 yrs. I love this city, and I love serving this city. I would like the opportunity to help in another way.

I became passionate about educating out youth and supporting our teachers when I was the PTA President for three years at West Portal Elementary.

My qualifications are that I care deeply. I am passionate about asking questions and taking on the significant issues that face us today and have eluded our school district for the past five decades.

Priorities:

• Closing the Achievement Gap.

• Teacher retention.

• Stick with smaller class sizes and raise teacher’s wages.

• Address parents desire to send their kids to their neighborhood school.

• Mindfulness and meditation for all grade levels.

Endorsements:

San Francisco Firefighters, Keith Baraka, 2nd Vice Chair SF DCCC

(Other endorsements were pending when this went to print.)

I respectfully ask for your vote.

www.lenettethompson.com/ Fired up about our Future!

Lenette Thompson

JOHN TRASVIÑA

My occupation is Law School Dean.

My qualifications are:

I’m grateful to my immigrant parents and the public school teachers at Commodore Sloat, Aptos, and Lowell who prepared me for Harvard University, Stanford Law, and a career dedicated to civil rights advocacy, public service, and education. Today, we still have many good schools but they are not enough and not everywhere.

I seek your vote to strengthen excellence, expectations and equal opportunity in our schools.

Using the experience I gained as a teacher, USF Law School Dean, President Obama’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing, President of the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund, and President of the Lowell Alumni Association, I will be an independent voice putting our kids first for equal access to quality educational opportunities.

It is wrong to put barriers to block students who want math instruction or to have an enrollment process that frustrates and confuses parents. To close achievement gaps, we need a Latino Education Initiative to parallel the African American Achievement & Leadership Initiative.

I am honored to be endorsed by educators and public officials who have known me for decades:

US Senator Dianne Feinstein

Leader Nancy Pelosi

SF Democratic Party Chair David Campos

Assembly Members David Chiu and Phil Ting

Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma

District Attorney George Gascon

Community College Trustee Shanell Williams

Supervisor Katy Tang

Former School Board Member Jill Wynns

USF Dean of Education Shabnam Koirala Azad

USF Law Professor Bill Ong Hing

Retired Lowell Principal Paul Cheng

Retired Potrero Hill and Luther Burbank Jr. High Principal Ron Cabral

Past SF Democratic Party Chairs Linda Post and Jane Morrison

John Trasviña

JOSEPHINE ZHAO

My occupation is San Francisco Unified School District Paraeducator / Mom.

My qualifications are:

I am running for School Board to help students compete in the 21st century. San Francisco has abundant opportunities, but our future workforce must be prepared to meet the challenges of a global economy. I believe that all of our students, in every school, must excel so they can have access to all of our city’s opportunities.

I am a public school mom of two daughters, a longtime parent advocate, and an experienced Paraeducator/Family Liaison in SFUSD. I served in Mayor Breed’s Education Transition Policy Team. And, I am a recognized leader for finding solutions for students who were delayed access to advanced math in 8th grade.

I will:

• push for options on advanced math and technical education;

• advocate for individualized learning to improve student achievement. No two students are the same, we should support students to learn in their own way;

• treat parents as partners and support their needs;

• listen to educators and ensure they are motivated.

I’m endorsed by:

• State Senator Scott Wiener

• Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma

• Mayor London Breed

• San Francisco Sheriff Vicki Hennessy

• Assessor Carmen Chu

• Supervisor Katy Tang

• Supervisor Catherine Stefani

• Board of Education Commissioner Emily Murase

I am grateful for your vote to ensure all children have the opportunity to succeed in our City.

Please visit: http://JosephineZhao.com.

Josephine Zhao