Between February and the November election, Mission Local is asking each District 3 candidate one question per week, and candidates will get 100 words to respond. We will compile all responses to the 40-odd questions on a “Meet the Candidates” page, so that voters can get a full picture of their stances.
Because Supervisor Aaron Peskin terms out next January, six candidates have filed to run for his seat to lead District 3, which includes North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, Russian Hill and Nob Hill.
Question this week: What are your thoughts on the SFUSD ‘Resource Alignment Initiative’?
One candidate said “I am firmly against closing schools in San Francisco.”
Sharon Lai
- Job: Economic recovery leader at the World Economic Forum, former board member at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
- Age: 41
- Residency: Tenant and owner, living in District 3 since 2023, first moved to SF in 2005
- Transportation: Walk and Muni when solo, drive when with kids
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from University of California, Berkeley, development studies and city and regional planning; master’s degree in public administration, Harvard Kennedy School
- Languages: English, Mandarin, Cantonese
SFUSD needs to balance their budget, but we cannot move forward without more clarity on how this process will impact and serve our students.
Unfortunately, the information is being delayed. Families need and deserve transparency and predictability ASAP. As a parent myself, I know how important it is to plan for change in our kids’ education. School closures can disrupt our students, impact logistics for families, cause blight in our neighborhoods, and result in additional financial impacts.
As Supervisor, I will fight to ensure any resource alignment does not negatively impact our communities, particularly for immigrants and historically underserved.
Endorsed by: Community Tenants Association, Teamsters Joint Council 7, 7 of the current Board of Supervisors … read more here
Eduard Navarro
- Job: Tech startup founder
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since December 2021
- Transportation: Walking, public transportation
- Education: CFA Institute: Chartered Financial Analyst, passed level 1. Master’s degree from Columbia University, architecture, concentration in urban design. Master’s degree from Columbia University, real estate development, concentrating in finance. Ecole d’Architecture de La Villette. Bachelor’s degree in architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Languages: Spanish, French, German, English, Valèncian (Catalan)
I am firmly against closing schools in San Francisco. Schools are cornerstones of our communities, and we should instead leverage creativity in managing the real estate portfolio and rethink how we deliver education. We must aim higher—not just to keep schools open but to make SFUSD the best in the country. I attended ENDC’s “SFUSD Forum Accountability in Education” in March and saw firsthand the distress in the Bayview community and the weak responses from SFUSD leadership. My work on school design at Columbia University, focusing on the small schools movement, showed me that there are better ways forward.
Danny Sauter
- Job: Executive Director, Neighborhood Centers Together
- Age: 36
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2014
- Transportation: Public transportation
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from Miami University
- Languages: English, Cantonese
I am watching the SFUSD’s actions and announcements closely. I was disappointed to see the recent delays which have thrown parents into more confusion as they seek to make plans for next year’s school year with uncertainty around if their preferred schools will be open.
SFUSD must regain trust by focusing on student outcomes, reducing costs, and increasing enrollment. Though a distinct body, I’m ready to do everything possible as the next District 3 Supervisor to make sure that our amazing schools, from Yick Wo to Garfield and Spring Valley to Gordon J. Lau, better serve our District 3 families.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Democratic Party, California Democratic Renters Council, Sierra Club, Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club … read more here
Matthew Susk
- Job: Former lead with Divvy Homes
- Age: 32
- Residency: TIC owner, first moved to District 3 in 2007. 2007-2009 while in high school, 2014-2016 after college, 2023-present with his wife.
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, master’s in business from Georgetown University
- Languages: English
By focusing on redirecting resources to classrooms and reducing administrative bloat, we can ensure that education remains a priority.
Investing in our public schools supports student success, strengthens the future workforce, and makes the city more attractive to families. My first daughter is arriving later this year, I’m deeply committed to creating a future where families can thrive in San Francisco.
I want to make San Francisco a destination for families, where strong schools and vibrant communities create a welcoming environment. We can build a thriving, resilient city for families to live, grow, and succeed.
Wendy Ha Chau
- Job: Attorney
- Age: 44
- Residency: Tenant in District 3 since 2009
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: Juris doctor degree from John F. Kennedy University
- Languages: English
It should be held off until 6 months after the election. With many new BOS members coming in next year, it might be premature to act before policies and budgets have been implemented.
If I am elected, my plans will greatly increase the number of students attending SFUSD (especially when you consider the possibility of all SF employees paying on average $1K a month on rent. Making SF a perfect place to start and raise a family).
Moe Jamil
- Job: Deputy city attorney, San Francisco City Attorney’s Office
- Age: 46
- Residency: Owner-occupied condo owner, living in District 3 since May 2014
- Transportation: Walking
- Education: University of California, Berkeley, and law school at Santa Clara University, K-12 public school
- Languages: English, Cantonese
As Supervisor, I will amplify the voices of parents to preserve and protect the schools in our neighborhoods and the education of our children. Supporting our children’s education means advocating for STEM programming, language immersion courses, access to special education and support programs for newcomers. I will be a champion for before and after school programs and look forward to partnering with the YMCA, CYC, Tel-Hi, and Salesians, all who have been important community partners, to continue to support our working families.
Endorsed by: San Francisco Tenants Union, San Francisco police Officers Association, San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council, Board President Aaron Peskin … read more here
Answers may be lightly edited for formatting, spelling, and grammar. If you have questions for the candidates, please let us know at yujie@missionlocal.com.
Illustrations for the series by Neil Ballard.
You can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
About the author
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