Measure G

1

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Do our kids deserve the same opportunities as other Bay Area kids?

In SF, in the beating heart of the tech world, our public school kids can’t take algebra until 9th grade… while other Bay Area kids take it in 7th.

Our kids who want to learn calculus — and be on track for science and tech careers — have to take two years of advanced math in just one year… or leave our schools.

Families have been leaving. 500 kids left when algebra was removed. Today 1 in 7 leave at middle school.

They shouldn’t have to go.

You may hear it’s hard to bring algebra back — but most Bay Area districts do it.

You may hear it’s inequitable— but removing algebra made the equity gap worse.

You may hear it’s expensive — and there is a one-time cost to train some 26 teachers — but you’ll bring families back, with their funding, for years.

What’s the cost of NOT offering algebra? Not just families and funding, but lives derailed, scientific discoveries not made, technology not invented. Enrollment is down and we’re talking about closing schools.

What’s best for our kids?

Bring algebra back — to bring families back, and their funding with them, year after year.

Bring algebra back — so disadvantaged kids can have science and tech careers.

Bring algebra back — because it’s best for our kids.

Please help.

Vote YES on G if you expect our kids to have the same opportunities in math as other Bay Area kids – because our kids are JUST as capable. 

Vote YES on G if you ALSO expect support for young children who are struggling in math – because you know they can succeed.

Vote YES on G to Bring Algebra Back.

Autumn Looijen, 

Founder, SF Guardians 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

2

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

San Francisco Youth Leader Says YES on G

As an advocate for young San Franciscans like myself, I urge you to vote YES on G. Our schools are out of step with the overwhelming majority of Bay Area schools, and it is having a detrimental impact on the future options for San Francisco youth.

Students who do not take Algebra 1 in 8th Grade find themselves in a predicament: when they delay taking Algebra 1 until high school, it limits the time available for future courses–which then reflects on their report cards if they choose to apply to college. 

Students oriented to STEM studies are especially impacted by this, and are often forced to take expensive summer classes–that only some families can afford–to make up the difference.

At the same time, the original intention of the policy removing 8th Grade Algebra has not produced the results of greater math achievement and equity. In fact, the opposite has happened.

Our schools should serve every student: those who excel at math and those who struggle. Our education system should be designed so that students who are ready for Algebra 1 in 8th Grade, and those who aren't, are able to take classes designed for their needs and which will challenge them at the right level.

That is what high quality education is–schools that meet the needs of students. To help deliver this, vote YES on G!

Ewan Barker Plummer

Chair , San Francisco Youth Commission*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

3

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Educators Support 8th Grade Algebra as a Choice for Students & Preparation to Get There

As educators, we firmly believe San Francisco needs a strong and diverse pipeline of well-prepared students ready for college coursework and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. 

But instead of equitably and transparently building that pipeline, the San Francisco Unified School District has squandered ten years on a flawed and inequitable math program by denying 8th grade Algebra to students who were ready for it. The policy was based on misleading data and inaccurate success metrics. The result: Increased inequities — not increased opportunities.

Suburban students do not need to find workarounds to reach Calculus by 12th grade.  Neither should ours. Proposition G is San Francisco voters' demand that our schools' math programs match our community's educational values and intentions: Algebra as a choice in 8th grade and stronger math preparation in earlier grades. 

Please vote YES on proposition G!

Karen Arnold, Math Teacher*

Marinell Jochnowitz, Speech-Language Pathologist*

Marcia Parrott, Retired teacher and principal*

Mariclare Ballard, Retired Teacher*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

4

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

I am the African American grandfather of a Lincoln High School junior.

San Francisco families should not be forced to overcome the obstacles we had to so that my granddaughter could take Algebra in 8th grade. That’s why I’m asking you to support Proposition G.  

Instead of the policy working for families, we were forced to work around it. I did just that by putting my granddaughter in a summer Algebra I class at a cost of $860. She spent her summer studying math.  

In 9th grade, she doubled up with Algebra I and Geometry. Other parents used the same workaround. But many parents just pulled their kids out of public school and others were deprived of this important gateway for their kids to have a clear path to STEM jobs in their futures. Not every family has $860 for a summer math class.

The School Board made a big decision that caused a Decade of Damage when it voted in 2014 to move Algebra to the 9th grade. The hope was that Math Scores for Black and Brown students would improve and we could narrow the achievement gap. It didn’t happen. In fact, the gap just got worse.

It is a No-Brainer that Algebra I should be offered in the 8th grade.

Vote YES on Proposition G to bring Algebra back to 8th grade, and give younger kids support so they’re ready for it.

Rex Ridgeway

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

5

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” I noticed that my 7th grade son was bored doing middle school math, because it was a repeat of what he learned in elementary. He excelled in that course, studying common core, and had a love for Science, too. It provided him the foundation to go forward taking advanced problem-solving equations. Algebra in the 8th grade will provide the tools to thrive.

I have two sons in SFUSD who excelled in math during their elementary school years. I had not been aware that Algebra 1 was moved out of 8th grade in 2014. My youngest completed his math assignments within 15 minutes, because he was not challenged, and the joy of science slowly disappeared by the end of 6th grade. 8th grade Algebra is the foundation for critical thinking. It must return in the fall 2024.

Families are putting their kids in private schools because Algebra 1 is not offered in the 8th grade. No matter what class, culture, race, ethnicity or gender, parents want what is best for their children. Too much damage has been done since Algebra was moved in 2014. Now kids must double up in math courses in the 9th grade in order to stay on course for a STEM career. My son should not have to do this in order to stay on track. He should have a choice, unlike his older brother, who did not.

I am in favor of 8th grade Algebra returning to the classroom in the fall of 2024.  

Please vote YES on proposition G

Chanel Blackwell, African American

Parent of a 7th grader, A.P. Giannini Middle School*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

6

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

SF Parents support Prop G!

Ten years ago, S.F. Unified eliminated algebra from its 8th grade curriculum based on a well-intended desire to "detrack" its schools and give students from underrepresented groups a better chance at taking more advanced classes later. 

Unfortunately, the results have been disastrous and had the exact opposite of its intended effect. The education gap in math increased as low-income Black and Latino students no longer had access to advanced math courses from the district, while higher-income White and Asian students were able to supplement with private math classes. 

S.F. kids can't wait. SFUSD needs to right this wrong immediately and bring back algebra to 8th grade. Fortunately, SFUSD began this process earlier this school year and is making progress. But now that Proposition G is in front of us, we need to show the school board just how important it is that they give our students the education they need. Vote yes on Prop G.

SF Parent Action

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

7

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Ten years ago, SFUSD slowed down its math curriculum and held back students from learning more quickly, removing algebra from 8th grade in the process. While the intentions were good, the policy was bad: the students whom SFUSD was trying to help did not benefit, and math instruction became less effective and less equitable. Meanwhile San Francisco, the world leader in tech, fell behind in teaching math.

For years, SFUSD covered up its failure, until volunteers at our organization published a detailed exposé in 2021. The results of our analysis were verified two years later by a rigorous Stanford report.

Now, SFUSD has pledged both to reform its math instruction and to tell the truth about how students are doing. This ballot measure says you want the City of San Francisco to encourage and support SFUSD in those efforts. 

Please vote YES on Proposition G.

Patrick Wolff, Founder, Families for San Francisco*

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

8

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

As San Francisco public school parents, we want students to have the choice to take Algebra in 8th grade. Algebra is the foundation for STEM courses and careers.

Ten years ago, SFUSD took this choice away because some 8th graders weren’t ready, and SFUSD thought moving Algebra to 9th grade would help close an equity gap. Independent analyses and SFUSD’s own data now show the gap has actually worsened.

It's no secret that many families have left SFUSD in recent years or found “workarounds.” For example, to reach Calculus before graduating, SFUSD students have had to take costly online math courses on their own time or double up on math at the expense of other subjects. Most disturbingly, the algebra policy has further disadvantaged the very kids it was supposed to help.

Algebra should be part of SFUSD’s 8th grade offerings. As parents of elementary, middle, and high schoolers in SFUSD, we want all kids to have that choice.

Please vote YES to tell SFUSD to restore 8th grade Algebra!

Supryia Ray, Victoria Carlton, Nicole Cook, Tim Carlstedt, Susie Decker, Hannah Fairbanks, Jeff Fairbanks, Caroline Flagiello, Alfred Nicolai (Nick) Francis, Amy Golsong, Sarah Hammond, Luis Hernandez, Jason Lamacchia, Frank Lee, Amanda McDougall, Patrick McLaughlin, Bo Nierhaus, Todd Nystul, Ssungha Park, Andrea Pollock, Karen Prince, Celeste Sempere, Gordon Shettle, Adrian Wadley, Katherine Wadley, Cyn Wang, Xi Wang, Lindsay West, Alexander (Alex) Wong, Arleen Yamayoshi-Wong

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

9

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Students used to take Algebra I in eighth grade. In 2014 SFUSD delayed Algebra I to ninth, making it difficult to take calculus in twelfth, which is critical for STEM college entry.

I paid for an Algebra I class for my daughter in eighth so she could take calculus in twelfth. She is now a college STEM senior.

SFUSD claimed 40% of the last class with Algebra I in eighth grade had to repeat it. The actual data (bit.ly/sfusdmathdata) shows only 100 out of 2,359 (4.2%, not 40%) failed Algebra I. 195 out of 2,957 (6.6%) of the first class that took it in ninth failed. There was no improvement.

SFUSD also incorrectly claims an increase in precalculus enrollment. They created an Algebra II + Precalculus class so students could reach calculus in twelfth. UC categorizes it as Algebra II because it is missing critical content; it doesn’t count as precalculus.

A Stanford study found the delay hasn’t reduced equity gaps despite incorrectly counting this class as precalculus.

This ballot measure is an opportunity to show support for SFUSD students regaining access to Algebra I in eighth grade. Without it, under-resourced students who want to go into STEM risk being left behind.

Please join me in voting YES on proposition G!

Maya Keshavan

Parent of two SFUSD alumni

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

10

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

"Yes" on Proposition G provides access to an education that is fundamental to our future. 

As Chinese American parents and community members, we know education has always been the gateway to freedom and success. In San Francisco, Chinese families arriving in the 1800s fought for schooling for our children. Fifty years ago, young Kinney Lau went all the way to the United States Supreme Court challenging the San Francisco School District's failure to provide equal educational opportunity for limited English proficient students. That victory set an important nationwide precedent for immigrant children and families. 

Today, we stand with all communities supporting Proposition G, which is a declaration of policy that states Algebra should once again be taught in 8th grade. This ensures that math education will be improved for all students, grades, schools and communities. 

As San Francisco plans to be a world leading high tech center, we should prepare all San Francisco children to assume their roles in that future. Since 2014, we've been told "No" to have Algebra taught in 8th grade. Proposition G says "Yes" to Algebra for students ready for it and "Yes" to increasing math instruction opportunities in all grades. 

Eddie Chin, Former School Board Commissioner

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Self funded - Eddie Chin.

11

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

San Francisco Taxpayers Association says Bring Algebra Back; Yes on G

When City Hall doesn't listen to the citizens of San Francisco, bad policies are born. The same is true when the School Board ignores parents.

One of the worst decisions the School Board has made in my 53 years of observing them was ending Algebra in middle school in 2014. They felt that not enough students were doing well in Algebra so instead of improving instruction, they stopped offering it to any student until high school. Meanwhile, suburban school districts continued to advance their children from middle to high school mathematics to prepare them for competitive college majors and future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Proposition G makes clear what San Francisco families have said all along. Improve math curriculum for the younger students so that they are better prepared to take Algebra in middle school if they so choose. And bring back 8th grade Algebra.

More education, not less. It's that simple. 

Judge Quentin L. Kopp (Ret.) 

San Francisco Taxpayers Association 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: San Francisco Taxpayers Association.

12

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Algebra is already taught in eighth grade in San Francisco — but only to children of wealthy families in private schools. If SFUSD can't competently teach math to the middle school students it serves, then the solution isn't to stop teaching math, it's to reform SFUSD.

The Briones Society

Jay Donde

Bill Jackson

Tom Rapkoch

David Cuadro

Jennie Feldman

Christian Foster

Martha Ehmann Conte

Chris Lewis

Jan Diamond

Jennifer Yan

Peter Elden

Jamie Wong

Page Chamberlain

Bill Shireman

Grazia Monares

Josh Wolff

Nick Berg

Deah Williams

Jason Clark

Jeremiah Boehner

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: The Briones Society.

13

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

As an executive at Linkedln, I built systems which helped millions of people get jobs, and I have seen firsthand how essential a strong education is for success later in life. That's why I'm advocating for better education for our kids. 

This proposition would overturn a policy created 10 years ago which currently stops students from taking Algebra in 8th grade and makes them wait until 9th grade. I, and many other education advocates, have analyzed data from before and after the policy change, and found that this policy has hurt roughly 19,000 students who would have passed Algebra in 8th grade over the last 10 years. In other words, 53% of all students who were in San Francisco public schools for 8th grade should be ahead of where they are. 

Restore Algebra to 8th grade now. Vote yes. 

John Jersin

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: John Jersin.

14

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

SAN FRANCISCO DEMOCRATIC PARTY SUPPORTS PROPOSITION G 

The San Francisco Democratic Party endorses a Yes vote on Proposition G, the declaration of city policy that our public schools should offer Algebra in 8th grade. Proposition G also supports the School District's efforts to improve math curriculum in all grades in all schools for all communities. 

Restoring Algebra to middle schools will improve the pathway for college and STEM careers for our young people and increase school district revenue by helping attract and keep children in our public schools.

Vote Yes on Proposition G. 

San Francisco Democratic Party

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Bring Algebra Back 2024.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy, 2. SF Guardians, 3. John Trasviña.

15

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

As committed Democrats working to strengthen our public schools, we support bringing back Algebra to 8th Grade. The decision to delay advanced math to High School created yet another institutional barrier to learning, worsening the education gap for students of color instead of solving it. This policy has also given an unfair advantage to those who can afford private tutoring or private schools. With SFUSD facing an enrollment crisis we must do everything possible to make SFUSD curriculum the highest quality so families don't feel their children will be at a disadvantage if they attend San Francisco's public schools. 

We must look at outcomes over intent, and the outcomes are clear: the Algebra experiment has failed. It's time to let our kids learn and strengthen our public schools. 

San Francisco Democrats for Change DCCC Slate

www.sfdemocratsforchange.org

Lily Ho, Democratic Leader & Activist

Laurance Lee, Democratic Leader & Activist

Peter Lee, Democratic Leader & Activist

Trevor Chandler, Democratic Leader & Activist

Carrie Elise Barnes, Democratic Leader & Activist

Luis Zamora, Democratic Leader & Activist

Parag Gupta, Democratic Leader & Activist

Jade Tu, Democratic Leader & Activist 

Mike Chen, Democratic Leader & Activist

Lanier Coles, Democratic Leader & Activist

Sara Barz, Democratic Leader & Activist

Marjan Philhour, Democratic Leader & Activist

Brian Quan, Democratic Leader & Activist 

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Families for a Vibrant SF.

The three largest contributors to the true source recipient committee: 1. Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, 2. Christian Larsen, 3. Emmet Shear.

16

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Vote YES on G.

Let's tell our school district they need to bring back 8th grade algebra! I am a child of Chinese immigrants who took algebra with Ms. Rueda at Presidio Middle School. Let's give today's students this opportunity to prepare for a 21st century career.

Laurance Lem Lee

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Laurance Lem Lee.

17

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Vote "yes" to restore opportunity to all students in San Francisco's public middle schools. Today, at least a quarter of San Francisco's children attend private school, compared to only nine percent throughout California. Public school students must be given the option to take algebra in middle school, and the SFUSD must develop a math curriculum that not only competes with but exceeds the offerings of private middle schools. 

San Franciscans must resoundingly decree that we will neither accept nor tolerate failed SFUSD policies that have steadily led to a significant decline in enrollment, which in turn reduces SFUSD revenue. The SFUSD must attract families to our city by creating a stellar public school system. 

San Franciscans entrust our most precious resource, our children, to the SFUSD. Demand that the district do the maximum, not the minimum, to prepare students to take the most advanced math courses they can, as early as they can. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are profoundly important for our students, and voting "yes" opens the door of opportunity to all. 

Christine Linnenbach 

President 

Friends of Lowell Foundation* 

*For identification purposes only; author is signing as an individual and not on behalf of an organization.

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: Christine A. Linnenbach.

18

Paid Argument IN FAVOR of Proposition G

Yes on G 

For years, the Board of Education has been dismantling our public education in the name of equity. The elimination of Algebra in 8th grade has handicapped our children. Without Algebra in 8th grade, it's nearly impossible to take AP Calculus. Since colleges have eliminated SAT scores, AP scores are now the only meaningful assessment for college. Bringing Algebra back to 8th grade is the right step! 

San Francisco Republican Party 

John Dennis, Chairman; Board Member CAGOP 

Thomas Sleckman, Secretary, Election Integrity Officer 

Joseph Bleckman, Vice-Chair Special Events 

Lisa Remmer, Vice-Chair Political Affairs 

Yvette Corkrean, Vice-Chair Volunteer Activities; SFGOP & CAGOP Endorsed Candidate for CA Senate 11 

Howard Epstein, Vice-Chair Communications 

Rodney Leong, Vice-Chair Digital Communications 

Jacob Spangler, Executive Director 

Stephanie Jeong

Bruce Lou, SFGOP & CAGOP Endorsed Candidate for U.S. Congressional 11

Jason Clark, Board Member CAGOP 

SFGOP.org

The true source(s) of funds for the printing fee of this argument: San Francisco Republican Party.

End of Paid Arguments IN FAVOR of Proposition G