Board approves employment agreement for Carlos Garcia as district superintendent

The San Francisco Unified School District Board voted to approve an employment agreement with Carlos Garcia to serve as district superintendent beginning July 16, 2007.

President Mark Sanchez read the terms of the agreement in open session: an initial term running through June 30, 2010, a base salary of $255,000 beginning July 1, 2008, an $8,000 automobile allowance, a one‑time $30,000 relocation and signing bonus, and either the use of a district residence or a monthly housing allowance of $2,500 beginning July 1, 2008. The agreement also includes health and retirement benefits equal to those of 12‑month administrative employees and a provision for lifetime health benefits for the superintendent and spouse after five years of service.

Community partners who participated in the superintendent search praised the process. Marguerite Bachand, president of the San Francisco School Alliance, said the search had been “diligent, thoughtful, and cohesive,” and Lisa Spinelli, executive director of San Francisco School Volunteers, thanked the board for a process that incorporated broad community input.

Several board members thanked interim Superintendent Gwen Chan for her service and noted the board’s efforts to keep the search confidential and community‑centered. Commissioner Marr said Garcia brings “strong urban progressive school district leadership” and “sensitivity to English learners and the largely immigrant population” in the district.

A roll call recorded six ayes on the motion to approve the contract; the chair announced the motion carried. President Sanchez also noted a public meet‑and‑greet and a press conference scheduled the next morning to introduce Garcia to the community.

The agreement as read to the board is available in the meeting record; the board will hold a post‑approval press event to allow the public to meet the incoming superintendent.