on a personal note, it was jim durkee who brought them over. we have flourished into a wonderful relationship. they have in many -- have been in many of our schools and are honoring many of our students this evening. i would like to welcome alan to the podium. >> good evening, commissioners. it is a pleasure to be here tonight on what i know is an important night for the school district. as the grand secretary of the nations of california, i have the opportunity to work with school districts all over the state. i am proud to be from san francisco. there are lots of challenges facing schools, particularly in san francisco. but the leadership is exceptional. starting with your president and superintendent, they have provided not only good leadership to the school district, but to the community. your leadership has helped us find a way to help. thanks to the leadership of hydrogen and carlos garcia, we have a plan we are implementing all over the state to work with schools in advancing literacy in elementary schools, middle school, math and colleg