Public education is one of the main concerns I hear about when I’m out talking to voters.

I often hear about issues such as enrollment, student achievement, student safety and after-school options.

As Supervisor, I am committed to working with the Board of Education on how to support and improve our District 8 public schools like Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, Alvarado Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Glen Park Elementary, Fairmount Elementary, Sanchez Elementary, Rooftop, Everett Middle School, James Lick Middle School, School of the Arts, and Mission High School.

I pledge to improve the partnership between SFUSD and the City by:

• Maintaining key streams of City funding for students and families like the Children’s Fund and the Public Education Enrichment Fund (Prop. H);
• Using my expertise as a Recreation & Parks Commissioner to support and expand recreational opportunities for children, and the sharing of facilities between the School District and the Recreation & Parks Department;
• Expanding the School District’s role on the important Joint City and School District Select Committee of the Board of Supervisors to enable a free flow of ideas and deep policy discussions between the two bodies; and
• Working with MUNI and the SFPD to expand safe routes to and from school and transit options for students.

My positions on key issues facing parents and students in San Francisco:

• Student Assignment: The School Board has revised the district’s student assignment policy for students enrolling in Fall 2011 and beyond.  I am a supporter of local school assignments, but I also support the right of students and families to choose other schools that work better for them.  I will be watching closely in the coming year to make sure that District 8 families have good school choices that meet their needs.  If necessary, I will press the School District leadership for changes to the policy to make sure that District 8 families are able to take full advantage of quality school choices in their neighborhoods.

• Student Achievement: While San Francisco is fortunate to be the highest-scoring urban district in California, high academic achievement still eludes many students in our City.  I will be a strong supporter of programs that support achievement like afterschool and summer recreation, tutoring and mentoring, and enrichment through athletics and the arts.  As a Supervisor, I will use the stature of my office to foster partnerships between the City’s many nonprofits and cultural institutions and the schools, because I understand that schools are the most important institutions in children’s lives.

I know that raising and educating children in our City can be challenging and expensive, but I also know that San Francisco is a better city because of the many parents who have chosen to stay and raise their children in our vibrant neighborhoods.  Keeping families safe, supported and thriving in San Francisco is one of my top priorities.