Students and principals praise Peer Resources; board members push to institutionalize funding

San Francisco — Dozens of students, alumni and school leaders presented Peer Resources to the board on March 13, describing student‑led mediation and peer education as a key component of restorative practices and school climate work across middle and high schools.

Poy Ling Tam, director of Peer Resources, introduced student leaders and alumni who described the program's direct impacts. Ayesha Richmond, a senior at Mission High School who has participated for three years, said the program helped her navigate grief and stay in school. Barnaby Payne, principal at Abraham Lincoln High School, described site data showing reduced suspensions and active student mediations: "Last year we were able to cut our school suspension rate by more than half over the previous two years, going from 106 suspensions... to only 45 last year," Payne said, and he credited peer mediations as part of that drop.

Students and alumni recounted concrete activities — conflict management, health education, My TV productions and peer‑led workshops — and argued the skills taught are transferable and career‑relevant. Board members asked about evaluation and funding; staff said an annual pre/post evaluation exists and that a full report would be available in the summer. Several commissioners expressed support for institutionalizing Peer Resources funding and integrating core elements into school planning.

What happens next: Staff agreed to provide the program's evaluation materials and the board flagged Peer Resources as a candidate for more stable funding in future budget and program planning.