Web Log
Jan 10, 06:27 PM | Author: jane kim | Category: schools
Swearing In Ceremony and my first Board of Education Meeting
Prior to my Installation Ceremony, I was somewhat nonchalant about the ceremony. It was 2 minute oath with a few student performances. I was reluctant to even encourage my friends and family to come.
However, the moment I got on the stage and saw the community that had raised me—my family, friends, and youth and the community, I immediately teared up. The win felt real. Not because I won a seat at the table, but because a whole community had won a seat at the table with me.
I was the first Board of Education member to cry that evening. In the course of the evening, all three of us had teared up at some point. And as a refreshing testament to how three women electeds, who come from different political affiliations, can behave differently in this male driven political world, we hugged and held hands together during the ceremony.
I was honored to be sworn in by Chris Daly, an elected official that I truly respect and admire for all the work he has done and continues to do for the San Francisco community. He is an advocate for youth, families, low-income housing and equality and he has always stood up for what he believed and not what he thinks will lengthen his political career. His office has become a war room/strategy center—on any given day, you see children, community organizers, activists and other San Francisco residents strategizing and discussing how to further policies that benefit a diverse San Francisco.
I want to thank my community—good friends, family, campaign team, co-workers, youth leaders, mentors, that came out to see me take the oath of office. I felt truly loved and supported that evening. I am proud product of this community here in San Francisco—the “make something of it” community.
For photos of the ceremony, click HERE
Photos by Jay Jao.
Last night, I also attended my first Board of Education meeting as a Commissioner. On Saturday, I received a two inch binder agenda to prepare for the Tuesday meeting. This binder did not even include the material for Closed Session Meeting which takes place prior to the regular meeting at 7:00pm.
It was a strange experience being on the other side of the room, behind the table, instead of the public sitting area. It was almost disconcerting to hear public comment being directed at you, instead of giving public comment on an issue that you care about.
However, I am incredibly excited to take on the challenge of doing the work that we can to improve our public schools. I don’t expect sweeping changes, but everything that we can do to increase resources for an incredibly important institution for young people is absolutely critical.
When I think of the amazing work that I have observed young people do, not just in my youth program, but throughout the city, when given the resources, support and opportunities, I feel driven, to work my hardest to fight for more resources for young people in our schools. I hope to be able to do some of that over the next four years.
Thank you for your support! I look forward to serving you.
All Board of Education meetings are televised live on SFGTV2, San Francisco cable channel 78 on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
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