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Board recognizes Korematsu Institute and accepts fire department book donation for elementary libraries
Summary
The board adopted a resolution recognizing the Congressional Gold Medal exhibit and curriculum; the National Japanese American Historical Society, Korematsu Institute and others described curricular plans. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes White announced a donation of a children’s book about the Phoenix fireboat to every SFUSD elementary school.
The Board of Education recognized the Congressional Gold Medal Tour and related curricular work and heard presentations from community partners and the Fred T. Korematsu Institute.
Commissioner Morase read a resolution encouraging faculty and staff to bring the Congressional Gold Medal exhibit (Smithsonian/National Veterans Network) to the de Young Museum June 29–August 4 and to use the Korematsu Institute and National Veterans Network curricular kits. Rosalind Tonheim, executive director of the National Japanese American Historical Society, said her organization will co‑host the exhibit and help present the curriculum to San Francisco schools. Karen Korematsu, co‑founder and executive director of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, described the free kits available for kindergarten through grade 12, including teacher guides and lesson plans.
The board also welcomed San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes White, who announced that a retired San Francisco firefighter donated a children’s book, "Frankie and the Phoenix," to every elementary school. Chief Hayes White explained the book recounts the fireboat’s role during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and framed the donation as part of ongoing school‑read‑aloud and preparedness outreach.
These items were presented as recognitions and informational items; the Korematsu resolution was adopted for consideration and the community thanked the board for supporting curriculum and local exhibits.
Sources: Presentations by Rosalind Tonheim, Karen Korematsu, Greg Maritani and Chief Joanne Hayes White; board recognition item.
