Tom’s Story

I know that education gives families a future.

My Dad was born to immigrant parents and learned to speak English in our public schools. He went on to become a teacher and principal who made sure that others had the same opportunities that he had.

And I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for community college. When I was 16 years old I got sick and had to drop out of high school. Fortunately, I was able to enroll in community college classes and I got back on track and rejoined my high school class.

My sister spent much of her teens in and out of jail and never thought she would have a college degree. Two years ago she decided to change the course of her life by enrolling in community college. I was so proud to watch her graduate last summer.

As San Franciscans, we believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed. We know that community college is one of the most important tools to even the playing field and ensure that all families have a future.

Moving City College Forward

My top priorities as trustee will be to:

Create a common sense budget. I will cut spending on high-priced consultants and bloated salaries for middle management, and invest the savings to prevent necessary classes from being cut and provide a living wage to our workers and faculty.

Get San Francisco students into City College. I will focus on rebuilding the relationship between San Francisco Unified School District and City College to build an enrollment bridge for students.

Restore Confidence in City College. I will use my experience to create a vigorous community outreach campaign to undo the damage the accreditation crisis has done to student enrollment.