In the latest installment of our “Meet the Candidates” series, all eight hopefuls for the San Francisco Unified School Board (SFUSD) answered a single question: How should the district bridge the funding gap between schools with well‑funded PTAs and those without?
Why the gap matters
SFUSD PTAs raise anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand each year. According to a list from the Second District PTA, roughly 40 schools lack a PTA altogether, leaving those campuses dependent on limited district resources.
Candidate proposals
Ryan Hazelton (SoMa homeowner, 43) emphasized that PTAs are independent nonprofits, so the district cannot force them to share funds. He suggested three steps: (1) direct more PEEF and Student Success Fund dollars to the highest‑need schools within existing rules; (2) invite PTAs to pledge a percentage of their fundraising to a city‑wide pool, recognizing those that do; and (3) help families start PTAs where none exist, with district staff guiding the administrative process.
Phil Kim (Castro renter, 36), the incumbent Board president, called for needs‑based resource allocation so that a family’s ability to donate does not dictate a child’s opportunities. He urged greater transparency around private fundraising and district‑wide partnerships to expand resources for schools lacking strong fundraising networks.
Laurence Lee (Noe Valley homeowner, 56) argued that schools should not depend on parents’ fundraising power. He proposed extra district assistance for low‑fundraising schools, leveraging Proposition G funding, and seeking support from nonprofits, businesses and community donors. Lee also highlighted a grassroots effort at Drew Elementary, where volunteers are launching a PTA with Second District PTA assistance.
Reina Tello (Renter, 44) stressed that PTAs should focus on building community, not filling district funding gaps. She advocated for full state funding of schools so PTAs can return to their core mission of fostering connections between teachers and families.
Tim Tung (Western Addition homeowner, 46) recommended aligning the district budget with its key goals, directing resources where they can make the greatest difference regardless of PTA fundraising capacity. He pledged to champion transparent, data‑driven allocation that prioritizes schools with the greatest needs and holds the district accountable for results.
Common themes
All five candidates agreed that equity must guide resource decisions. They each called for greater district involvement—whether through targeted fund distribution, encouraging PTA participation in a shared pool, or assisting communities in forming new PTAs.
Endorsements varied, with many candidates receiving support from local progressive organizations, labor unions and elected officials, reflecting the broad interest in ensuring every San Francisco child receives a high‑quality education.
What’s next
The candidates’ responses will appear in the weekly “Meet the Candidates” series, giving voters a clear view of each hopeful’s plan for addressing PTA funding disparities as the district moves toward a neighborhood‑schools model. Voters can review the full statements on each campaign website before casting ballots in November.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
