Mission Local’s weekly “Meet the Candidates” series gives San Francisco voters a concise look at the eight individuals who will appear on the November school board ballot. This week the focus is on technology policy: should the district adopt limits on classroom screen time and place a temporary moratorium on artificial‑intelligence tools, similar to the policy recently approved by Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)?
What the candidates said
Laurance Lee – a 56‑year‑old volunteer and licensed general contractor from Noe Valley – answered “yes.” He supports LAUSD’s approach of banning routine screen use through first grade and capping daily use at 30 minutes through fifth grade, with exceptions for assistive technology. Lee emphasized his hands‑on experience in a Bayview kindergarten, noting that “no AI for elementary students” is essential because the technology is unproven and cannot replace human interaction.
Reina Tello, a 44‑year‑old community organizer and current City College of San Francisco student, also voted “yes.” She wants a policy crafted with input from parents, educators and students, stressing that rapid technology adoption has outpaced research on its impact on children. Tello clarified she is not anti‑technology but believes a solid foundation must be established before expanding access.
Tim Tung, a 46‑year‑old public‑finance analyst and chair of a school‑site council, supports the core principles of LAUSD’s plan. He argues that technology should enhance, not replace, teacher‑led instruction and that screen use must be purposeful and age‑appropriate. Tung added that SFUSD should tailor its policy rather than copy LAUSD outright, using data and ongoing evaluation to ensure outcomes improve.
Autumn Brown Garibay, a 41‑year‑old senior customer‑success manager at Sprout Social and parent of three, backs a district‑wide technology plan with clear guardrails. She warned that leaving decisions to individual schools creates uneven experiences. Brown Garibay called for a “bell‑to‑bell” policy that defines acceptable personal‑device use, non‑instructional access and safeguards for devices taken home.
The remaining candidates – Virginia Cheung, Alida Fisher, Ryan Hazelton and Phil Kim – each provided nuanced answers ranging from conditional support to calls for further study. Their statements reflect a broader community conversation about balancing digital learning benefits with the need for protective measures for young learners.
Why the policy matters locally
Tech in Check, a coalition of parents affiliated with the national Schools Beyond Screens organization, has gathered more than 900 signatures urging SFUSD to impose a temporary moratorium on large‑language‑model AI until its effects on learning are better understood. The group points to LAUSD’s June vote, which bans screen time before second grade and gradually increases allowances, capping high‑school use at 90 minutes per subject each week.
SFUSD currently allows teachers and administrators discretion over technology and AI use and employs an AI tutor, Amira, for kindergarten‑through‑fifth‑grade students. The district does not enforce a city‑wide cell‑phone ban. A board vote on a new tech‑usage policy is scheduled for March 9, 2027, giving candidates ample time to shape public opinion before the election.
Endorsements and community backing
Several candidates have received endorsements from local elected officials and labor groups. Lee, Brown Garibay and Tung are all backed by State Senator Scott Wiener, while Brown Garibay also counts the San Francisco Democratic Party and multiple supervisors among her supporters. These endorsements signal that the technology debate aligns with broader concerns about parental rights, student safety and fiscal responsibility.
For voters who prioritize clear guidelines on screen time and a cautious approach to AI, the candidates’ responses provide a useful roadmap. Those who favor greater flexibility in digital instruction can compare the nuanced positions of the remaining hopefuls.
How to learn more
Mission Local will continue publishing each candidate’s 100‑word response every Friday leading up to the November ballot. Voters can visit the candidates’ campaign websites for full platforms and contact information.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
