BOARD OF TRUSTEES

AFT Local 1493 endorses new candidate, Maurice Goodman, in November Board of Trustees election

In the November 3 election for our District’s Board of Trustees, AFT Local 1493 has endorsed incumbents Dave Mandelkern and Karen Schwarz and we are excited to also endorse challenger Maurice Goodman, who has written the following statement about his background and expertise for the position.  (Current Trustee Patricia Miljanich previously announced that she will not run for another term.)

A former student and graduate of the SMCCD, now a father and husband, I worked as a legal professional for over eight years prior to turning to a career in educational leadership and youth development. After completing degrees in Administration of Justice and Paralegal Studies at Skyline College I went on to CSU East Bay where I received a BS in Criminal Justice. As a student I was elected an unprecedented two terms as Student Body President of Skyline College and Student Trustee of the College district. Most recently, I served as the Visitacion Valley Clubhouse Director for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and continue to volunteer with the S.F.P.D. in a continued effort to empower and support at-risk youth.

A native of the Bay Area, I have been a consistent figure in the community with years of leadership experience. I drafted a Community Empowerment and Crime Prevention Action Plan, which I presented to San Francisco community leaders and politicians as a suggested avenue to combat crime and poverty in the inner city. Ongoing, I work with local and state officials to promote a better quality of life for individuals in the urban community.

As a founding member of Bayview Hunters Point Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in Our Communities (BMAGIC), a non-profit organization created by San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi, I assisted in the planning and implementation of a 3,500 backpack giveaway program.

In 2008 I was elected to the Board of the South San Francisco Unified School District. I am currently serving my second term, where I was voted president twice. During my presidency there were multiple watershed moments in the history of the SSFUSD. I pushed to revamp each and every Board policy and made them available online providing more transparency for the community.  Policy changes included an anti-bullying policy that continues to make our schools safer for every student, teacher or staff regardless of race, gender identity or religion.

Additionally, I introduced policies and resolutions that promoted cultural diversity, equity, restorative justice and improved working conditions for all. I also provided leadership in the planning and approval of our bond program, working with the Building and Trades to draft and pass a PLA that secured local jobs during a time our community was experiencing high levels of unemployment. The passage of our bond secured funds for our District saving millions of dollars through our solar program.

Additionally, as a result of my leadership, there will be two new schools built along with 2 state-of-the-art athletic facilities.  I played a key role in Skyline College’s partnership with the South San Francisco Unified School District in having the first Middle College program in North County providing countless youth with opportunities that were not afforded to them in the past.

Of the many accomplishments I had while on the School Board, my proudest contribution is the amount of in-house promotions and diversity in hirings that were made possible as a result of my leadership as President.
Along with the aforementioned experience, I plan to bring a unique perspective of a former student leader, youth developer, educator and elected official. I will utilize my relationships as an elected official and educator to improve the relationships between our campuses and the local high schools, creating and maintaining partnerships like our District’s three Middle College programs.

I will draw from my experience to ensure that there is no drop off in leadership or Board continuity. I will focus on the ever-growing concerns over medical benefits and support the District’s workforce housing expansion plans. I will work with my fellow Board members to provide a clear directive to administration to address the excessive professor workload through open and respectful dialogue.
Below are a few of my current and former titles:

• Committee Chair, Operation Genesis
• Clerk, South San Francisco Unified School District Board
• Board Member, Renaissance Parents of Success
• Former President, South San Francisco Unified School District Board (2 Terms)
• Former Class President & Graduate, Jefferson High School
• Former Student Body President, Skyline College
• Former Student Trustee, San Mateo County Community College District
• Former African Student Alliance President, Skyline College
• Former Chair, California Student Association of Community Colleges Black Caucus
• Former Regional Chair, California Student Association of Community Colleges
• Founding Member, Community Non-Profit “BMAGIC”
• Volunteer Coach, Daly City Titans Youth Football Association
• Former PTA Member, Spruce Elementary School
• Site Council Member, Buri Buri Elementary School
• Member, Martin Luther King / Marcus Garvey Crime Prevention & Community Empowerment Committee
• Volunteer Chair, San Mateo County Red Cross
• Representative, San Bruno & Pacifica City Safety Committee

With your support and votes, I will advocate on behalf of your interest in a passionate, independent progressive manor. I will be a humble steward of our great District with an open mind holding student learning and success as the highest priority. Support me in being the next member of the San Mateo County Community College Board.