Deepest gratitude to all you subscribers, readers, sharers, and fans of all stripes. It’s been just 21 months since I started this Substack on the hope that a few dozen would appreciate my hot takes and grumbly rants. This effort is still all passion, all volunteer. As some call it- citizen journalism.
Now in April 2023, public education still needs good deep coverage. The older concerns linger and newer ones fight for sunlight. And in the meantime, coverage from some professional journalists gets more superficial, blatantly biased, and lacking in rigor, financial or historical perspective.
Bet you didn’t see this coming
Last week, I had the privilege of joining a small group in meeting SFUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne. He emphasized the District’s “See Something, Say Something” anonymous student safety reporting tool, given recent incidents. I gave my strong endorsement for his Goals, Guardrails, Visions, and Values work, which I was one of the first to appreciate back just over a year ago.
We shook hands and agreed to keep talking. Citizen advocacy does move the needle.
Members of the Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC) and the Chinese Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC) and District staff with Superintendent Matt Wayne
Our monthly Citizens Bond Oversight Committee meeting is this week
For those of you newer to this newsletter, one of the big reasons I started this effort was to draw attention to the hundreds of millions of dollars that SFUSD facilities was spending without legally required Citizen Oversight. Long story short, I am on this Committee in the seat for a member of a Taxpayer Advocate organization. Our Committee is working well together as we ask questions about facilities spending and the recent 2021 audit draft. We’re looking for several new Committee members so reach out and maybe attend or listen to this meeting on Wednesday at noon!
Hot takes on the news
Proud of these students as they missed classes to stand up for queer and trans rights. My student activism started as a college student.
Will SFUSD student enrollment go up or down next year and years thereafter? Past projections from consultants paid by SFUSD were incorrect in direction. The new consultant again says enrollment will go up, this time because of the plan to add 82K new residences in the City, per the housing element. Given costs of financing and time to get permits, this real estate professional is skeptical. Honestly hope I am the one wrong.
Another SFUSD lawsuit has been filed, this one on the math curriculum. Looks to this non-lawyer that the District is in quite the pickle as they didn’t do their expected work. One to watch for sure, as math does count. And skip the coverage on this topic from #SFSubstandard cuz it’s just muddying the waters.
Imagine your classroom is 50 degrees with the heat on. It’s happening now at several schools across the City, given aged boilers and other reasons. Ugh! Good on Mission Local to cover the topic yet I quibble with how the piece may appear to some to be planted by District facilities staff to drum up support for the planned big dollar $$$ 2024 facilities bond.
Here’s some good news! Hardworking mom Lakisha Young of Oakland Reach across the Bay got some well-earned recognition by KRON TV for her org’s efforts in helping kids there read.
Speaking of helping kids read, this state Senate bill got through committee, thanks to so many dyslexia testing advocates! Golden State Warrior Gary Payton II and I would love to have the bill passed into law.
Please attend this Education Forum!
Given all the acknowledged needs for SFUSD students, how can we best encourage good focus and progress? I’ve gathered together a group of experts who can tell you that a proven answer is by working in community! Please join a bunch of like minded folks and orgs on Wednesday, April 19th, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm, St Anne’s in the Sunset at the 1300 block of Funston Ave., cross street Judah St. Free off street parking.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/improving-sf-public-schools-through-community-strategies-that-work-tickets-605296206247
Recognizing Cesar Chavez with State Treasurer Fiona Ma and friends
Please share my newsletter with people who may appreciate a deeper take on public education news! Have a beautiful fantastic spring week!