New Member Q&A: Nancy Kohn Hsieh
April 19, 2017
Nancy Kohn Hsieh began her service on the San Mateo-Foster City School District Board of Trustees in December 2015.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about schools or school board service since joining the board?
I’ve learned about the value of board members being open to altering one’s positions during board deliberation. Going in prepared and with an idea of one’s view is important, but the body’s fluid decision making process is vital to achieving the best decisions.
What’s been the highlight of your service on the board so far?
Having the privilege as a School Board Trustee to be invited to attend drama and musical productions at our schools, tour the schools with our Superintendent and observe in classrooms across the district and seeing the talented teachers and staff promoting a joy of learning in our students.
What has been the most challenging part of being a board member?
The most challenging part is consistently facing the inadequate level of per pupil funding that we persist in having in California. This presents constant challenges in terms of getting creative to address the insufficient and inequitable access to art and music for our students, inability to appropriately compensate our teachers and other staff, amongst other concerns.
As a newer board member, what’s one piece of advice you would give someone considering running for school board?
If you have a passion for supporting the best possible public education for all of the students in your district and enjoy policy making work, then serving on the school board is a truly unique and fulfilling way to give back to the community and have a positive impact.
About the District
The San Mateo-Foster City School District is comprised of 20 public schools located in San Mateo and Foster City. The district educates approximately 12,000 students in preschool through eighth grades.