SF Board of Education Unanimously Endorses Superintendent Richard Carranza

Press Release

February 11, 2015 (San Francisco) - Last night the San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously to renew San Francisco Unified School District’s (SFUSD) Superintendent Richard A. Carranza’s contract for another three years. Carranza is in his third year as superintendent and began working in SFUSD six years ago as deputy superintendent for instruction, innovation and social justice.

School board commissioners lauded Carranza for providing stable visionary leadership and strengthening partnerships with the city, community agencies and businesses on behalf of SFUSD students.

“My colleagues on the board and I are unanimous in our support of Superintendent Richard Carranza,” said Board President Dr. Emily Murase. “Thanks, in large part, to his leadership, our public school system is embracing a 21st century approach to learning, with the support of innovative partnerships from the community, including Mayor Edwin Lee, Salesforce, the Food Bank of San Francisco, Stanford University, and the San Francisco Education Fund to name just a few.”

“Richard is driving our district forward with a clear vision of the transformation that our schools need, a deep understanding of what we are capable of, and an unyielding commitment not to leave any student behind,” said Vice President Matt Haney.

“With his leadership, I believe we will move closer to providing a world class education to every student in our city that allows them to fulfill their potential and live out their dreams.  San Francisco’s students, families and educators are so lucky to have Richard leading our school district for another three years, and beyond,” Haney continued.

 “Richard is absolutely the right superintendent for where we are in San Francisco Unified. We've had the privilege of working with him since 2009, as the deputy superintendent and then the superintendent, and he has built a productive and trusting relationship with the Board of Education,” said Commissioner Rachel Norton.

“Consistent and stable leadership is a hallmark of districts where they have really moved the needle on achievement, and given our positive experience with Richard up to this point, there is every reason to keep moving forward. I am thrilled he's agreed to be our superintendent for another three years,” Norton said.

According to a 2014 survey conducted by the Council of Great City Schools, the average tenure of urban superintendents is 3.2 years. Several large urban districts across the nation are looking to fill superintendent vacancies. According to Michael Casserly, the council’s executive director, the continued turnover makes it harder for urban school systems to maintain and accelerate positive academic momentum.

“Continuity in leadership is one of the biggest challenges of school districts across the county and having the commitment and dedication of Superintendent Carranza during both very challenging storms and brighter days has helped our district move forward more efficiently and smarter,” said Commissioner Hydra Mendoza. “We are grateful to have one of the best superintendents in the country and we look forward to supporting and guiding his efforts in the years ahead”

After years of budget cuts, state funding for schools is beginning to return to 2006 levels. Superintendent Carranza and his leadership team are investing in more teacher support and development. SFUSD recently settled contracts with the teachers union and all other major bargaining units paving the way for 12% raises over the next three years.

“We are happy to have been able to settle our contracts with our teachers, classified employees and administrators. These are all significant accomplishments for the district and the community,” said veteran Commissioner Jill Wynns.

During Superintendent Carranza’s tenure, the district has turned around low-performing schools and implemented research-based strategies aimed at serving students facing the greatest challenges. Several data points indicate that English learners as well as African-American, Samoan and Latino students are making gains in attendance and academic achievement.

“Superintendent Carranza's demonstrated commitment to the values of our community -- excellence, diversity, equity and unwavering dedication to closing the achievement gap -- make him the right leader for San Francisco schools. I look forward to continuing to work with him and the Board of Education to realize our vision and ensure a bright future for all the students of the San Francisco Unified School District,” continued Wynns.

“As a new commissioner I am excited about the opportunity to work with a superintendent dedicated to ensuring all students have equal access to a quality education. Superintendent Carranza is committed to SFUSD and is good for our students and families,” said Shamann Walton. 

 “I join my fellow commissioners in unanimously renewing the contract of Richard Carranza as our Superintendent of Schools. Superintendent Carranza has proven to be a visionary leader, a hard worker, a collaborative decision maker and above all, deeply committed to equity and academic excellence for all SFUSD students,” said Immediate Past Board resident Sandra Lee Fewer.

“Richard understands our community, protects and promotes our SFUSD educational values and is acutely aware of the responsibility he bears for the 57,000 public school students who depend on him to be prepared for life in the 21st century. He continually and consistently gives us his best, which has been and continues to be, a good thing for our entire district.”

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Page updated on 02/11/15