Editor:
Keep Joel Engardio Fighting for Our Kids
As a school board commissioner, Sunset District resident, and parent, I have seen firsthand the impact that strong, student-focused leadership can have on our public education system. That’s why I stand with Supervisor Joel Engardio in rejecting this wasteful and expensive recall attempt.
Our schools are a critical pathway toward success for our students, and Joel has been one of their strongest and reliable advocates on the Board of Supervisors. He has pushed relentlessly for policies that ensure academic excellence and opportunity for all students. He championed restoring Algebra in middle schools so that students can be set up for success in advanced math, and he has been a vocal supporter of merit-based admissions at Lowell High School, recognizing the importance of maintaining rigorous academic standards. These policies reflect the priorities of our families and reinforce San Francisco’s commitment to high-quality education.
Beyond policy, I admire two key qualities. The first is his unwavering focus on making every San Franciscan’s life better – something that I’ve borrowed as an ethos now as a school board member. Second, his readiness to listen and engage in thoughtful dialogue, even when opinions differ. Joel also understands that collaboration between the Board of Supervisors and the Board of Education is crucial to improving our schools – whether it’s student achievement, school safety, or financial stability.
At a time when our school district is faced with massive layoffs and budget cuts, our kids and schools need strong advocates more than ever. Now is not the time to take out one of their biggest champions on the Board of Supervisors just because some disagree with a single policy position.
As a westside resident, I feel it is a better use of resources and energy to work together to figure out transit solutions, make sure residents feel comfortable walking down the street, and of course, create excellent schools.
Voters elected Joel to bring balance, accountability, and a results-driven approach to City Hall. He has delivered on that promise over and over again.
I am asking my fellow Sunset residents to reject the wasteful recall, so that Joel Engardio can keep fighting for San Francisco’s students and families.
Parag Gupta
Categories: letter to the editor
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 
I appreciate the authors point of view, however as a life long resident of the Sunset I disagree. Bottom line is the only person Joel is fighting for is himself and his political viability. Having raised a family out here in the Sunset and watching my grandchildren grow up here, Joel has little to no impact on the schools. His broken promises to his constitutes necessitate his recall. I just want to have leaders with integrity, and a sense of commitment to the constituents in their districts`. Having worked as an Ocean Lifeguard and Firefighter my whole life, I know the meaning of service to ones’ community. Joel Edgardio is not a leader. He is not a champion He should be recalled.
Sincerely,
Marty Murphy
sfpoliticshub.com
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While Supervisor Engardio’s support for algebra in middle schools is commendable, it cannot overshadow the harm he has inflicted on his constituents. Authors who defend him often ignore the widespread outrage over Proposition K, which played a significant role in the recall effort. The closure of the Upper Great Highway, as mandated by Prop K, not only makes it more difficult for parents to transport their children to school but also raises serious safety concerns for families living nearby.
The anticipated side effects of Prop K—increased traffic congestion, potential rise in crime and homelessness—will create an environment that is far from conducive to children’s well-being and education. Furthermore, Joel Engardio’s character flaws and lack of integrity make him an unsuitable role model for our children, who deserve leaders who embody honesty, courage, and accountability.
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By foregrounding her multiple roles as a school board commissioner, Sunset District resident, and parent, Gupta attempts to establish a strong emotional connection with her readers. This tactic might initially resonate with some who share her experiences, but it ultimately fails to address the broader concerns of those in favor of the recall.
Engardio’s performance as a public official affects all residents of District 4, regardless of their roles or backgrounds. By using her personal experiences to defend him, Gupta risks alienating those who don’t share her perspective and overlooks the diverse range of concerns that have led to the recall effort.
Rather than rely on manipulative emotional appeals, it’s crucial to engage in a thoughtful, fact-based discussion about Engardio’s record and address the genuine concerns raised by his constituents with genuine sincerity.
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Sir, by your own words, vocal supporter. Not actual or active supporter. At least on the issue of defending Lowell.
The receipts are all here. https://richmondsunsetnews.com/2025/04/09/letter-to-the-editor-setting-the-record-straight-on-merit-based-admissions-at-lowell/
We really could have used his help. We ended up doing it without him.
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