Superintendent Vincent Matthews delivers farewell, recounts family history and district priorities

Superintendent Vincent Matthews told the San Francisco Board of Education on June 28 that this would be his final regular meeting before retiring June 30 and used his time to emphasize district priorities and reflect on his personal history. He opened with routine health and safety reminders — encouraging vaccinations for children 6 months to 4 years and reminding families to complete required school immunizations by Aug. 17 — and reviewed summer tutoring and the district’s calendar for 2022–23.

Matthews then thanked long-serving staff members and named several administrators who are leaving the district, including Anike Ford-Morthel and Bill Sanderson. He also acknowledged the challenges of leading during the pandemic and highlighted gains the district has made under his tenure.

Turning to a more personal note, Matthews recounted a family history that traced his ancestors’ path from enslavement in the United States to his own career in public education. He closed with a recurring line in the meeting: “I am my ancestors' wildest dreams,” which he used to frame his belief that public education must help every student achieve their potential.

Board members took turns offering brief tributes to Matthews’s leadership, calling out his responsiveness during the pandemic and his commitment to equity. President Lam opened the meeting by recognizing Matthews’s service; several commissioners and community members later echoed that appreciation during public comment.