SF Board of Education Elects Leaders for 2022

Press Release

San Francisco (January 12, 2022) - The San Francisco Board of Education elected its leaders for the 2022 year on Tuesday night. Gabriela López, who served as president of the Board last year, will continue in her role in 2022. Jenny Lam was elected to serve as vice president. 

President López, a former classroom teacher, and Vice President Lam, a public school parent of two SFUSD students, bring experience working with community members and families to improve academic achievement and access to quality instruction for all students. 

President López was elected to the Board in 2018, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to office in San Francisco, the youngest and first bilingual educator member elected to the San Francisco Board of Education, and the first Latina in over 20 years. 

Before joining the Board, López taught fourth- and fifth-grade Spanish Immersion at Leonard Flynn Elementary School in SFUSD. She was also a mentor for the district’s Mentoring for Success program, a school Arts Coordinator, and a core member of Teachers 4 Social Justice. 

“This is an unprecedented time in education and it is critical that we continue to do everything we can in support of the safety and wellbeing of students, families, and staff. I am very grateful to continue with the role of president of our school district and to work in collective leadership that will highlight student voice, strengthen partnerships, and ensure authentic community participation,” said President López.

Vice President Lam has served on the Board of Education since 2019, after being appointed by Mayor London Breed, and was re-elected in November 2020. 

For over 20 years, Vice President Lam has dedicated her professional life to public service. She currently serves as Director of Policy and Strategic Partnerships at the Office of Early Care and Education, City and County of San Francisco. She previously served as Education Advisor to Mayor London Breed. 

Prior to joining the City and County of San Francisco, Vice President Lam was State Engagement Manager at the national organization, Education Superhighway– bringing affordable high speed internet and technology infrastructure to public schools across the country. She has also served in a number of executive leadership positions with nonprofit organizations, including Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) in San Francisco where she led education initiatives and worked to expand civil and political rights for immigrant youth and families. 

"Our school communities have faced among the most challenging times in the past few years and it is our utmost priority to continue serving the needs and ensuring the safety of every student, family, teacher, and staff member. I am humbled by the opportunity to continue collaborating with my fellow colleagues and our school district to deliver the best possible education outcomes for our students together," said Vice President Lam.

The Board of Education is comprised of seven members, elected at large to serve four-year terms. 

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