District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis laid out an eight-point plan to reform San Diego’s public schools last week, calling her ideas bold and comprehensive.
“The future of our schools is threatened by the possibility of financial insolvency, a lack of stability in top management positions and a structure that puts too much distance between parents and decision-makers,” said Dumanis. “Leadership is required to provide a vision for first class schools in San Diego, and transforming that vision into reality.”
The Framework for America’s Finest City Schools increases the size of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Trustees from five to nine members; adding members who are nominated by a panel including parents and the leaders of local colleges and universities; an independent financial advisory board; steadfast opposition to new taxes; and greater transparency.
“Our schools are too important to the city, its residents and its future. Leadership based on sound and proven principles is required,” added Dumanis.
Among other measures, Dumanis would establish the Office of the Mayor’s Education Liaison.
She would create a task force to address the district’s financial woes, as well as parental advisor committees that would make recommendations to the district’s trustees.
The city’s charter would require amending an order to allow for officials from USD, SDUSD, and UCSD, plus community colleges to the SDUSD board of trustees, as Dumanis has called for in her plan.
