Arlene Ackerman's letter of resignation

The following is reprinted here without permission. As I write this, it is featured on the front page of the SFUSD web site.

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September 6, 2005

Dear San Francisco Community Member:

After heartfelt deliberation, I have submitted with regret my letter of resignation as Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified School District, effective June 30, 2006.  

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When I accepted the Superintendent's position, I did not imagine just how difficult an assignment it would be.   However, in a very short time this school district has overcome many challenges and made tremendous strides.   I take great satisfaction in knowing that the school system is much better and stronger now than when I came here some five years ago.   Most importantly, our students have experienced five consecutive years of improved achievement.   So many people have played important roles in our success story, it is impossible to name them all.   However, I want to share with you just a few of the significant accomplishments that should make all of us proud:

1. Increased student achievement for all groups of students.
2. Recognition as the top performing large urban school district in California for the second consecutive year.
3. Nomination as one of five urban school districts in the country for the coveted 2005 Broad prize in recognition of outstanding performance in improving student achievement.
4. Implementation of the groundbreaking STAR intervention program that provides systemic support and resources (teacher coaches, nurses, social workers, parent outreach workers, onsite substitute teachers) to underperforming schools.   Eighty-five percent (85%) of these schools have shown consistent improvement in achievement.  
5. Implementation of site based budgeting and academic decision-making in all schools.
6. Opening of eight Dream Schools, with results from Phase I Dream Schools indicating improved performance in all three and dramatic improvement in two.
7. Securing $2.5 million from the Gates Foundation for the Secondary School Redesign Initiative.  
8. Better parent outreach, including expanding and improving the Parent Relations Office and Educational Placement Center, conducting annual Enrollment Fairs, and establishing the District's first Translation Office.
9. Stronger partnerships with the Mayor's office and City departments, including interagency collaboration on truancy reduction, safe schools, and creating positive school climates.  
10. Passage of two voter measures that will bring more than $600 million to our schools for the next 10 years for facilities improvements and extra staff resources (including nurses, art and music teachers, librarians, and counselors).  
11. Recovery of more than $50 million from companies that had tried to defraud the District.
12. Implementation of one of the country's first healthy student nutrition policies.
13. Settlement of a long-standing Americans with Disabilities Act case and development of a multi-year plan to give students with disabilities more access to academic programs throughout the district.
14. Construction of the new Bessie Carmichael and Dianne Feinstein schools.
15. Regaining positive fiscal certifications and bond ratings.
16. Reducing central office spending from more than 10% to less than 3%, redirecting critical dollars back to school sites.

The San Francisco Unified School District is now gaining national attention for its systemic reform efforts that have produced significant results in student achievement.   The foundation for continuous progress is already in place.   The important work that lies ahead for our community is to sustain and accelerate this success.   I urge you to stay the course.

I have dedicated the last 37 years of my life serving other people's children in urban schools across this country:   as a teacher for fifteen years, then as a principal and lastly, as a central office administrator.   Often this service was given at great sacrifice to my sons and family members who accepted second place in my life even when it was not their preference.   I am thankful for their unconditional love and support.  

In the past five years as your Superintendent, I have made new and everlasting friendships.   I have enjoyed invitations to more than 50 parents' homes for evening chats and dinner.   I have shared, listened, and learned during more than 100 parent and teacher roundtables and monthly meetings with administrators.   I have worked alongside an extremely talented and deeply committed staff.   I have found each of these experiences deeply rewarding.  

As I tender my resignation, I want to thank parents and guardians for entrusting me with the gift of your sons and daughters.   Additionally, it is with respect and admiration that I thank the thousands of dedicated teachers, administrators and staff who work tirelessly everyday making big and small miracles happen for children.   I am deeply appreciative to Board members (past and present), Mayor Newsom as well as other city officials, citizens of San Francisco, business leaders, and leaders of our religious communities for your unwavering commitment to our school system.   Your investment in our children today will reap great dividends for the entire community tomorrow.

Finally, to the beautiful children in this magnificent city by the bay, I want you to know that you are my inspiration.   I come to work each day as a servant for you.   I believe in your incredible ability to succeed at high levels.   You come to school with a multitude of talents, so show them off!   Continue to work hard and make education a priority in your life.   I promise you won't be sorry.

In closing, I am confident that SFUSD will continue to make significant progress.   I am certain because I know that those who have worked so hard for our children will continue to do so.   I may be leaving my post as Superintendent at the end of this school year, but like so many others…my heart will always remain in San Francisco.  

Respectfully,

Arlene Ackerman

Superintendent of Schools