Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of former San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman, Ed. D.:

“Dr. Arlene Ackerman, a local and national leader in the African American community, was committed to improving educational standards and creating opportunities for our City’s youth, making sure that every public school student received a great education. As the first woman and first African American to serve as the San Francisco Unified School District’s Superintendent, she navigated the school district through some very difficult transitions and introduced dramatic changes with a focus on serving our most vulnerable students and their families.

Having also served as Superintendent in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., she was committed to strengthening the relationship between the community and its school districts. Her courage and candor as a leader was both appreciated and criticized. San Francisco undoubtedly benefitted from her years of dedicated public service. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her two sons, Anthony and Matthew Antognoli, and her family and friends at this time of sorrow.”