Improving Schools

As a credentialed teacher, Jerry knows the importance our schools have on shaping the future. He received his teaching credential from San Francisco State University and has taught government courses at the collegiate level.

While serving in the Legislature he helped increase State Lottery funding for public education providing millions of additional dollars to classrooms each year. He also supported legislation that was signed to fund early childhood education programs and ensure that our kindergartners are developmentally ready for today's academic demands. He authored legislation which was signed by the Governor creating the California Stem Cell and Biotechnology Education and Workforce Development Act of 2009 to establish stem cell and biotechnology education and workforce development in California public schools. He also helped provide millions of dollars for districts to expand renewable energy job training programs to teach our students the skills of the future.

Along the Peninsula Jerry has secured grant funding which has provided much needed resources for various schools. On the Coastside he helped El Granada Elementary School update their science lab with computer equipment and microscopes. In South San Francisco he assisted Spruce Elementary School in their effort to upgrade the schools' computers and electronic equipment to continue their strong academic achievement.

While serving in the legislature Jerry has found it frustrating to try and provide schools with the resources they need during tough budget times where cuts have impacted all sectors of government. He believes that we must protect California's K-12 and higher education systems from future cuts. He helped prevent devastating cuts to special education, K-3 class size reduction, and the school lunch program. He also voted to place a constitutional provision on the ballot that would require the state to increase annual school funding by $9 billion in future years.

Jerry’s visited more than 20 schools throughout the district since 2009 and he’s enjoyed learning from conversations with teachers, students, administrators, and parents. One of Jerry’s top priorities as a State Senator will be restoring funding for our state's K-12 and higher education systems.