SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — On March 8, Shana Hazan, former public school teacher, parent of an SDUSD student, and candidate for the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Education District B, announced, in a stunning display of strength and organization, the endorsement of San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher.
Fletcher, who formerly represented San Diego in the State Assembly, represents the County’s fourth supervisorial district and was unanimously elected Chair in 2021. As Supervisor, Fletcher has been committed to improving the lives of children and working families and prioritizing communities and populations that have been historically left behind. In the Assembly, Fletcher was the author of Chelsea’s Law, landmark legislation that strengthened penalties for violent crimes against children.
“I have seen the work that Shana Hazan has done for San Diego’s children and families firsthand through her work at Jewish Family Service and as Vice Chair of First 5 California,” said Chair Fletcher. “I know Shana will work collaboratively, strategically, and tirelessly to strengthen our public schools and improve outcomes for all students.”
With Fletcher’s endorsement, Hazan has secured the endorsements of federal, state, county, and city representatives within District B which includes the neighborhoods of Tierrasanta, Del Cerro, Kensington, and Serra Mesa.
In addition to Fletcher, Hazan’s endorsements from officials who represent SDUSD District B include Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, Assemblymember Chris Ward, Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, Councilmember Raul Campillo, and U.S. Rep. Sara Jacobs, whose endorsement was announced earlier this week.
“I’m honored to have the support and trust of Supervisor Fletcher and other respected and community-minded leaders who represent the neighborhoods of School District B. I am grateful for their belief in my vision for our schools and recognition of the strengths I bring as a former educator and experienced leader,” said Hazan. “On the School Board, I’ll continue to build thriving communities and stronger, more equitable schools to ensure every student can reach their full potential.”
If elected, Hazan will be the only Board Member with a child in San Diego public schools.
Hazan, who was recently unanimously elected Vice Chair of California Children & Families Commission (First 5 California), comes to the race with a growing list of respected supporters, including the San Diego Education Association, the San Diego Young Democrats, San Diego County Democratic Women’s Club, San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, Southwest Carpenters Local 619, Administrators Association of San Diego City Schools, Congressman Scott Peters, Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, former Congresswoman, Assemblywoman, and SDUSD Board Member Susan Davis, Assemblyman Chris Ward, San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo, San Diego City Councilmember 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. 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 neighborhood public school, Franklin Elementary STEAM Magnet School in Midcity. Hazan is Vice Chair of First 5 California, appointed by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, where she works alongside the state’s Surgeon General to guarantee quality early care and education for California’s youngest children, shape state policy, and make funding decisions for a $300 million annual budget. She is immediate past Chair of the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission, serves on SDUSD’s Superintendent Search Committee, is the immediate past president of the Friends of Franklin Elementary School Foundation, a member of the Franklin Elementary School Site Council and the San Diego Unified District Advisory Council (D.A.C) on Compensatory Education, and is a board member for Impact Cubed.
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