I just returned from the candidates forum tonight and for the first time, I am hopeful and energized!

Tony Smith is exactly what we need as our leader. He has a long term commitment to Oakland (being a resident and having a child who is going to attend public school, he has real skin in the game), a vision of what we need to do to fundamentally change the school system so that it serves our youth and their families well — and has a track record, right here in the Bay Area.

Anyone who I know personally who knows Tony or worked with him has nothing but positives to say about him. He has the grace to partner with a Board who is notorious for being “less-than-constructive” — and I think he can inspire them to be the best that local control can be. He is a real listener, and he answered all the questions without filling in the time with undue verbiosity.

My heart was touched at the end of his presentation, when he received a standing ovation from the students, who proceeded to embrace him. Young people know when someone is FOR REAL.

I am a native of the Bay Area, an alumni of SFUSD in the 70′s. I watched the school system crumble behind me as my younger siblings did not have the educational opportunity I had. I swore I would come back and help. That is why I consult to OUSD, in spite of the challenges. Many times I wondered if the results were worth the effort it takes to deliver results in this challenging organization. Bringing Tony here would re-energize me and deepen my commitment to do whatever hard work is needed to provide a strong learning environment for the kids, and a strong community resource in our schools. I pray that the Board makes the right decision for the kids in Oakland.