Student Zoe Smetis urges SFUSD board to prioritize student welfare amid turmoil
April 06, 2021 | San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco Board of Education meeting on July 4, 2025, featured passionate public comments addressing significant concerns regarding the district's leadership and direction.
The meeting began with a call for the resignation of Board member Lisonbee Collins. A speaker expressed that Collins' previous statements were discriminatory towards Asians, urging for accountability and referencing a recall petition against her. This sentiment highlighted ongoing tensions within the Board and the community's demand for responsible representation.
Following this, Zoe Smetis, a senior at Lowell High School, addressed the Board, expressing frustration over the internal conflicts and distractions that have overshadowed the Board's primary mission: advocating for students. Smetis emphasized the urgency for the Board to refocus on its responsibilities, particularly as she prepares to graduate and her younger brother enters the sixth grade in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). She articulated fears about the future of SFUSD, stressing that many families, including hers, cannot afford private schooling if the public system fails.
Smetis concluded her remarks by urging Board members to move past minor disputes and concentrate on the decisions that impact students' education. Her call for unity and purpose resonated with the audience, reflecting a broader concern for the stability and effectiveness of the district.
The meeting underscored the critical need for the Board to address internal issues and reaffirm its commitment to serving the educational needs of the community. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the Board prioritizes student welfare above all else.
The meeting began with a call for the resignation of Board member Lisonbee Collins. A speaker expressed that Collins' previous statements were discriminatory towards Asians, urging for accountability and referencing a recall petition against her. This sentiment highlighted ongoing tensions within the Board and the community's demand for responsible representation.
Following this, Zoe Smetis, a senior at Lowell High School, addressed the Board, expressing frustration over the internal conflicts and distractions that have overshadowed the Board's primary mission: advocating for students. Smetis emphasized the urgency for the Board to refocus on its responsibilities, particularly as she prepares to graduate and her younger brother enters the sixth grade in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). She articulated fears about the future of SFUSD, stressing that many families, including hers, cannot afford private schooling if the public system fails.
Smetis concluded her remarks by urging Board members to move past minor disputes and concentrate on the decisions that impact students' education. Her call for unity and purpose resonated with the audience, reflecting a broader concern for the stability and effectiveness of the district.
The meeting underscored the critical need for the Board to address internal issues and reaffirm its commitment to serving the educational needs of the community. As discussions continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the Board prioritizes student welfare above all else.
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