Press Release Details
Press Release Message
San Francisco (August 23, 2024) - Today, San Francisco Board of Education President Lainie Motamedi notified San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne and Board of Education Vice President Matt Alexander that she is resigning from the Board of Education effective immediately.
“It’s been an honor to serve on behalf of our students and families to make much needed, and sometimes difficult decisions to improve our school district,” said President Motamedi. “While there is much work ahead, I can confidently say I am leaving the district much better off than when I joined it. Every decision I have made has been for the benefit of our kids and their futures. I deeply appreciate Mayor London Breed’s continued and unwavering support and commitment to families and public education, and I wholeheartedly support her choice in appointing Phil Kim for the remainder of this term. He has the experience, commitment, and energy to deliver for our kids.”
Today, in a ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Breed swore in Phil Kim to fill the remainder of President Motamedi’s term. The term runs until the November 2026 election, but the seat will open up at the next citywide election after this November, which would either be a citywide special election if called or June 2026.
In addition to over a decade working in education and his recent experience at SFUSD, Commissioner Kim has deep expertise in STEM instruction: leading policy and implementation of math and science curriculum, launching computer science and robotics programs, building resources for education technology, and bringing educators together for coaching and professional development. Most recently, Commissioner Kim served as district staff in the Superintendent’s Office.
With Lainie Motamedi stepping down as president, the current Vice President Matt Alexander begins serving as President of the Board of Education effective immediately. The board will vote on a new vice president on Tuesday, Aug. 27. President Alexander has served on the school board since 2021, and has 20 years of experience working in the San Francisco public schools, including a decade as a teacher and a decade as a high school principal. He currently works as a community organizer at Faith in Action Bay Area, where he has led citywide campaigns to protect SFUSD families from eviction, to get immigrants released from ICE detention, and to secure housing subsidies for low-income seniors at risk of losing their homes.
“Working alongside President Motamedi this past year has been a privilege, and her collaborative leadership and dedication to student success will be greatly missed by all of us on the school board,” said Matt Alexander, Board of Education President. “I am committed to continuing the progress we’ve made under her leadership as we strive to provide the quality education our students deserve. It’s a true honor to lead the Board of Education as we guide the district toward a strong and sustainable future.”
“President Motamedi has demonstrated unwavering advocacy for the students of San Francisco, and I am deeply appreciative of her leadership on the Board of Education,” said Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne. “Phil Kim has consistently proven to be a valuable member of our district’s leadership team, and his deep understanding of SFUSD’s challenges and priorities makes him well-positioned to have an immediate impact as a Board commissioner. I look forward to collaborating with President Alexander, Mr. Kim, and the entire Board as we work together to advance our shared goals for the district.”
The San Francisco Board of Education has seven members, elected at large to serve four-year terms. When a BOE commissioner’s position is vacated before the end of their term, the Mayor has the authority to appoint a replacement to serve on the school board until the next general election.
###