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New Member Q&A: Daina Lujan

June 14, 2017

Daina Lujan began her service on the South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees in February 2016. She currently serves as board vice president.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about schools or school board service since joining the board?

I have served students and the field of education my entire professional career. Making positive differences for the benefit of all children is what keeps me going. So when I stepped onto the board, the basics of how districts function, school and district finances, and things of this nature were comfortable bits of knowledge to digest. The most eye opening thing for me has been the importance of working with fellow board members and the superintendent to ensure the entire district moves forward together.

What’s been the highlight of your service on the board so far?

School visits are the best part of being a board member! In South San Francisco Unified, we have the opportunity to participate in one to two school tours every month. I love seeing teachers engaged with kids and kids working together as they are wrestling through challenging problems. Talking to kids to hear about what they value and what concerns them, helps me maintain perspective.

What has been the most challenging part of being a board member?

Finding balance between being a good mom, school site principal and board member is an interesting opportunity that is helping me to grow in all kinds of ways. As a board member, calendars fill up with many competing priorities quickly. I have not quite perfected the balancing act, but I have certainly honed my skills in evaluating competing priorities.

As a newer board member, what’s one piece of advice you would give someone considering running for school board?

Being a board member is an incredibly rewarding way to make a positive impact on students. It is a position that is well served by one who seeks to understand. Asking questions to understand all sides of issues helps greatly with making informed decisions.

About the District

The South San Francisco Unified School District serves approximately 8,900 students in grades kindergarten through 12 from three contiguous areas in northern San Mateo County – the city of South San Francisco and small sections of the cities of San Bruno and Daly City.

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