SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Today, Shana Hazan, former public school teacher, parent of a San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) student, and candidate for the SDUSD Board of Education District B, announced her endorsement from the San Diego Education Association (SDEA).
The SDEA is California’s second largest education union, representing over 7,000 pre-k through grade 12 educators in SDUSD. The highly regarded teachers’ union endorsement translates into yet another huge shot in the arm of momentum for the Hazan campaign, which has been pocketing endorsements at a fever pitch.
“We’re proud to stand with Shana Hazan in her race for School Board District B. San Diego needs proven leaders who know the classroom from the inside and understand the challenges of delivering safe and effective schools in a pandemic, and know what parents, educators, and students are going through, “ said SDEA President Kisha Borden. “Shana was born and raised here, attended our public schools, has a child in our public schools, and has been an advocate for our SDUSD families and students. The San Diego Education Association proudly endorsed Shana Hazan because her unmatched track record proves she will fight for our schools.”
“As a former teacher, I am humbled to have earned the trust and support of our district’s educators who continue to work tirelessly during incredibly challenging times to support their students,” said Hazan. “On the School Board, I will be a voice that teachers and school professionals can count on for straight talk and honesty and will work to build policies on the School Board that support educators while putting parents and families first by giving all our children more opportunities and tools to succeed.”
This marquee endorsement adds to Hazan’s ever-growing list of local and respected supporters, including Congressman Scott Peters, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, former Congresswoman, Assemblywoman, and SDUSD Board Member Susan Davis, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo, San Diego City Council President Dr. Jen Campbell, and First 5 California Chief Deputy Director Jackie Thu-Huong Wong. In December, Hazan announced the support of seven members of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission: Commission Vice Chair Dolores Canizales, Commissioners Kristin Rizzo, April Purcell, Kathie Moehlig, Tammy Gillies, and Tyler Duncan, and Commissioner and San Diego County Human Relations Commission Vice Chair Nicole Murray Ramirez.
Born and raised in San Diego, Hazan is a fourth-generation San Diego Unified graduate, graduating from Scripps Ranch High School in District B. She started her career as a public elementary school teacher in underserved communities before heading up a program that makes it safer for kids to get to and from school, and designing and launching a statewide school fitness program, an anti-hunger initiative, and a service-learning and leadership program for high school students across San Diego. Hazan also served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Jewish Family Service of San Diego, where she managed a $28 million annual fundraising program, secured millions in funding for educational programs and social services for seniors, asylum seekers, and low-income families, and earned a reputation for rallying diverse teams and delivering results.
As a parent, Hazan has been engaged in transforming her daughter’s public school, Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School. Hazan chairs the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, and was appointed by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins as one of seven First 5 California commissioners, where she makes funding decisions for a $300 million annual budget. She was appointed to SDUSD’s Superintendent Search Committee, is the immediate past president of the Friends of Franklin Elementary School Foundation, and a member of the Franklin Elementary School Site Council and the SDUSD District Advisory Council (D.A.C) on Compensatory Education.
Hazan and her husband, Marc, live in Kensington where they’re raising their two daughters, the oldest of whom attends their neighborhood school in San Diego Unified. If elected, Hazan will be the only Board Member with a child in San Diego public schools.
For more information on Shana Hazan for School Board, please visit ShanaforSchoolBoard.com.
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Preceding provided by Shana Hazan for School Board