Learning What Our Schools Need

By Supervisor Joel Engardio

Visiting all 12 public schools in the Sunset was a priority in my first weeks in office. As a city supervisor, I don’t have jurisdiction over schools. But City Hall gives the school district funds and supervisors must ensure that it’s spent on what teachers and students need.

I met with every principal and their staff, many parent leaders of PTAs, and a number of teachers and students. The school tours took up entire days of my time, and it was worth it. You learn a lot in one-on-one and small group meetings.

Feinstein elementary is a major host of students in San Francisco who fled the war in Ukraine. The principal remains upbeat despite the resource issues every school faces. Parents helped build their outdoor classroom and garden for science/botany studies.

Lawton K-8 has a really good middle school orchestra and band. I was impressed. I’d love to have them play and march alongside my city supervisor contingent in the June Pride Parade!

Francis Scott Key elementary’s only basketball hoop is broken and they are hoping for many needed updates in the school yard.

Lincoln High School impresses with its powerhouse drama program, football team, student newspaper, and science/engineering classes. Yet they desperately need new security cameras and more capacity on the overcrowded 48 Muni bus that students rely on to get to school.

Stevenson elementary was named one of the 2023 California distinguished schools by the state Department of Education. Yet they lack an instructional coach and a full time social worker. The principal and assistant principal make do by wearing multiple hats.

It was exciting to meet Lowell High School’s new principal, Dr. Jones, who champions the academic excellence that made Lowell famous while bringing creative energy and fresh perspective for the school’s future success.

Education will be a top priority for me along with public safety. I’ll visit schools often and advocate for what our parents, teachers, and students need. My supervisor newsletter will highlight our schools — like Sunset elementary and its stairs that teach as you climb!