San Francisco school board renames two schools for Edwin and Anita Lee and Dolores Huerta

The San Francisco Board of Education on Aug. 28 voted to rename two district schools: the Chinese Education Center will become the Edwin and Anita Lee Newcomer School, and Fairmount Elementary will become Dolores Huerta Elementary School. Both resolutions passed by recorded roll-call vote with six ayes; Trustee Shamon Walton was absent.

Board members and dozens of community speakers urged the changes during a meeting that included readings of both resolutions and extended public comment. Principal Victor Tam and community partner Vanita Louie described the Edwin and Anita Lee proposal as a way to honor the late Mayor Edwin M. Lee’s and his wife Anita Lee’s longtime support for immigrant students and district initiatives. "Mayor Ed Lee was a champion for education," Tam said; Vanita Louie described the naming as a way for future students to learn about "remarkable people" who supported the district.

Supporters of the Fairmount change told the board the Spanish dual-immersion school’s student body is predominantly Latino and that naming the school for Dolores Huerta, a longtime labor and civil-rights activist, would send a message of inclusion. Fairmount principal Luis Rodriguez said the proposal grew from community conversations about solidarity during a period of national anti-immigrant rhetoric. Several parents, teachers and alumni emphasized the school’s demographics and urged the board to adopt a name that reflects the community it serves. "By adopting the name of a strong Latina leader, we also would like to send a message of empowerment to all our female students," Rodriguez said.

Board members who spoke in favor described strong local support gathered in petitions and letters and noted committee recommendations that moved both items forward. Commissioner Matt Haney said the renamings were "a testament to a strong partnership with the city" and said school names "do communicate to children who they should look up to." Commissioner Sanchez asked that other commissioners be added as co-authors to the resolution.

Both resolutions included lengthy recitals of accomplishments and community contributions tied to the namesakes. The board announced plans for a celebration in September and indicated staff will work with school communities on new signage and commemorative plaques.

No motions to rehear or postpone were recorded. The adoption formally updates district facility names and directs staff to implement the renaming steps identified in board policy.