My goals
There are a couple things I am hoping to achieve.
I will balance the $1.3 Billion schools budget.
Our schools are facing a financial crisis, and we must act now to prevent a state takeover of our finances. Too much money has been wasted on unnecessary consultants and bad contracts—resources that should be directed toward our students' success. My commitment is clear: I will balance the $1.3 billion SFUSD budget by prioritizing effective spending that directly benefits our students. We will listen to the community and ensure that their voices shape the decisions we make, not just collect feedback and ignore it.
NOTE: School closures are off the table for this school year. I will encourage the $100 million in needed cuts to be as much away from the students as possible— there is too much money to central office and consultants. Please read more of my thoughts on the school closure chaos on this webpage.
I will bring improved student academic outcomes.
Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I am committed to bringing all kids up to reading at grade level or better. I've connected with experts locally and nationally who are already making this happen, and I’m ready to implement proven strategies here in SFUSD. To achieve this, we must not only address chronic absenteeism but also ensure they feel safe and supported, both academically and emotionally. Mental health resources and a focus on well-being are critical. Additionally, I will continue to fund and expand popular programs like language immersion, ensuring that our schools offer the enriching education that our families value.
Why vote for me?
Key interviews:
NEW: https://youtu.be/9lvZdoq_oZ8?feature=shared (SF Experience podcast, 10/21/2024)
https://youtu.be/v6QTpGD5Hbw?feature=shared (2 minute pitch on sfgovtv/League of Women Voters, September 2024)
https://www.thesanfranciscoexperiencepodcast.com/san-francisco-school-board-elections-talking-with-candidate-laurance-lee/ (SF Experience podcast, August 2024)
https://thevoicesf.podbean.com/e/john-rothmann-interviews-laurance-lem-lee-candidate-for-sfusd-board-of-education/ (Voice of San Francisco podcast, August 2024)
I’m a proud product of San Francisco’s public schools, shaped by the experiences and support I received from dedicated educators and staff at Argonne Elementary, Presidio Middle School, and Lowell High School.
Times are tough now and students are in need of so much support. As the city of San Francisco, we could use someone on the school board of education who has K-12 experience in the SFUSD and can speak for student needs through all the different grades.
For me, it’s personal.
I’ve been fighting for SFUSD students for years. I participated in the School Board Recall from day one, volunteering long days to accumulate hundreds of petition signatures. I fought to reinstate 8th-grade algebra to advance STEM education as part of Prop G for the March 2024 ballot—and won.
I am the guy who got SFUSD to follow the law when they spent $744 million worth of taxpayer bond money on school facilities in the dark. I single-handedly brought the district into compliance. I'm the only candidate who has been volunteering for the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee for years, partnering with the new auditors to make sure the money is spent well.
I’m running for School Board because the public schools of San Francisco made me who I am today, and I’m dedicated to giving back.
I’m a SFUSD graduate who will put the students first. Vote for me.
Endorsements
Organizations
SF Guardians
ConnectedSF
SF Green Party
Asian Americans Rise
SF Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Chinese American Democratic Club
Log Cabin Republicans of San Francisco
Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club
Individuals
Fiona Ma
California State Treasurer
Lily Ho
Democratic County Central Committee member
Lanier Coles
Democratic County Central Committee member
Larry Yee
Police Commissioner
Debora Allen
BART Director District #1
Matt Gonzales
Former President of the Board of Supervisors
Eddie Chin
Former Board of Education Commissioner
Vincent Matthews
Former Superintendent
William (Bill) Lee
Former SF Chief Administrative Officer
Denise Ruggeri
Parent/Guardian/School Volunteer
Nandini Polarouthu
Saphron Initiative, advocacy associate
Pauleena Rivero
SFUSD
Marvin D. Norman
Office of General Counsel, Navy (Retired)
David Lieu, MD/MBA
Fine Needle Aspiration Medical Group/UCLA
Peter Logan
Retired attorney and 50+ year SF resident
Titles and affiliations of each individual are provided for identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by the organization or institution they represent.
My media contributions
Just a few years ago, I witnessed no citizen oversight of the $100 million bond spending on school facilities. I brought it back, and am now on my 2nd year of being on the Committee, reviewing audits.
Check us out here.
I have published dozens of Opinion pieces in local media. Many changes are happening after I’ve brought sunshine to the concerns.
San Francisco Examiner
SFUSD needs a clear response to weapons at schools (and more)
Beyond Chron
How will the SF School District Solve Big Problems They Themselves Made? (and more)
Wind Newspaper
Opinion: Eighth grade algebra adds up
San Francisco Bayview
Early reading instruction in San Francisco public schools: A love affair with what has failed
The Bold Italic
“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” Oscars victories moved me more than I expected
I have been quoted in the New York Times, CNN, SF Chronicle, SF Standard, KGO TV, KTSF channel 26, Sing Tao (Chinese; use your browser translation feature for English), World Journal, radio shows, Youtube channels, and many other forms of media.
Here’s my most recent coverage on Youtube: