Candidate for
Board of Education; County of San Francisco

As a public school parent since 1984 and pediatrician, I know the high goals parents have for their children's education. I first learned about school improvement as a classroom volunteer, School Site Council member, and Parent Association leader. Because I deeply share those parental aspirations, I have worked to reduce class size, raise graduation standards, increase classroom supplies, restore Arts education, increase parental choice, and fight financial mismanagement.

There has been real progress in the SFUSD. Our 2002 elementary school scores are at or above national averages for every grade and subject; secondary school scores have also improved in every category this year. Our students pass the SAT and enroll in college at well above statewide rates. Our best schools are truely equal to the best anywhere in California. Moreover, the State Department of Education and the State Budget Office have given the SFUSD a positive financial certification in each of the past two years, affirming the integrity and competence of current District leadership. But all these successes are still unevenly distributed. African American, Latino and other low-income groups still lag behind and much work remains to eliminate the opportunity gaps that are holding them back. Many schools are excellent, but some are not meeting our standards. Funding of California's public schools, especially urban public schools, is still woefully inadequate when compared to the need and to other states' funding.

Throughout my career on the Board, I have advocated for increasing the quality of the curriculum both by raising standards and by creating richer educational environments at all levels from K through 12. I have worked to ensure fair distribution of resources and opportunity by the establishment of quality programs in underperforming schools. I have helped strengthen our Early Childhood Program, health services, libraries and social services. I have lobbied in Washington and Sacramento for adequate funding for urban education. I have defended the right of all children to attend the best programs.

As senior member of the Board of Education, I will use all my experience and commitment to work with parents, teachers, community groups, Board colleagues, other elected leaders, and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman to give every San Francisco schoolchild the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.