Statements from SFUSD Superintendent, Board of Education President Regarding Recall Election

San Francisco (February 16, 2022) - While the votes are still being counted, it appears as though the majority of San Francisco voters have voted for the recall of three SF Board of Education commissioners: Alison Collins, Gabriela López and Faauuga Moliga.

SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews shared this statement: 

“Even during this transition for our Board of Education, we will continue to work together to address the challenges and opportunities before us in collaboration with the Board, our district staff, families, students and community members.

The mission of SFUSD is to provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support needed to thrive in the 21st Century. While there remain many urgent and important matters to realize our mission, at this moment in time our students and their families are counting on district leaders to stay focused on these priorities above all else: 

• To maintain healthy and safe learning environments as we navigate this pandemic; 
• To create high quality learning experiences for our students that foster engaged and joyful learners and that support every student in reaching his or her potential;
• To adopt a fiscally responsible budget that addresses short- and long-term structural deficits while remaining student-centered and fulfilling our legal obligations as both a school district and a County Office of Education; and  
• To hire a new superintendent who is committed to the shared core values of our school district and who possesses the priority competencies identified by our community.”  

Board of Education President Gabriela López shared this statement: 

"I know I and the other commissioners on this board have worked hard to deliver quality and joyful learning experiences for our students, many who come from similar backgrounds and experiences as ours. I am proud of what we have accomplished, working in collaboration with our communities, and I am honored to be able to serve San Francisco. We will continue to advance this work for our schools and know the district will continue to focus on the priorities we set out." 

According to the Mayor’s Office, under the schedule established by the Secretary of State for the February 15th Special Primary Election the Department of Elections has up to 9 days to certify the results of the election and transmit those results to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors acts on this certification by resolution. The recall will become effective 10 days after the Board’s action which is when a vacancy would occur. It is likely any vacancy would occur in early to mid-March depending on how long the Department of Elections takes to complete its certification process. The Mayor would then appoint the three replacements to serve on the school board until the next general election in November 2022. 

The San Francisco Board of Education has seven members, elected at large to serve four-year terms.

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