(San Marino, CA, Aug. 21, 2026 )- Joanna Lam, Board Clerk for the San Marino Unified School District, will not seek reelection when her current term concludes at the end of 2026.
Lam has served on the Board of Education since 2022 and is a proud San Marino parent, with her youngest children entering Transitional Kindergarten at Carver Elementary this year.
“Serving on the Board for the past four years has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” said Lam. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served our students, families, teachers, staff, and community. This was not an easy decision, but with my youngest children beginning their own journey through San Marino schools, I feel this is the right time for me to focus more fully on my family.”
During her tenure, Lam supported several significant district initiatives, including the Mandarin Dual Language Immersion program and the passage of Measure M, the district’s $200 million bond. She also served on the district’s Safety and Wellness Committee and, in the final year of her term, serves as Board Clerk.
Reflecting on her four years of service, Lam said the experience deepened her appreciation for the responsibility and complexity of governing a public school district.
“I tried to approach each decision thoughtfully, listen carefully, ask questions when I felt they needed to be asked, and support what I believed was in the best interest of our students, families, and district,” Lam said. “There are many perspectives behind every decision, and not every question has a simple answer. Serving on the Board taught me a great deal about listening, working with others, and the responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect an entire school community.”
As her Board term comes to an end, Lam said her connection to San Marino schools and public service will continue.
“San Marino is our home, and our family’s connection to the schools will continue for many years,” Lam said. “Public service has become an incredibly meaningful part of my life, and I don’t know what form that service may take in the future. For now, I look forward to focusing more fully on my family while remaining an active and engaged member of the school
community.”
SMUSD Board President, Francesca Gill, thanked Lam for her commitment to the district and her service as a fellow Board member.
“Joanna has been a thoughtful and dedicated Board member, and I am deeply grateful for the time, care, and heart she has given to our schools,” said President Gill. “She has always been a strong supporter of our students and approached her work with a genuine desire to do what is best for kids. I have appreciated her willingness to ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives, and stay focused on what will best serve our students and our district. It has been a privilege to serve alongside her, and I know her commitment to San Marino schools will continue well beyond her time on the Board.”
Superintendent Dr. Linda de la Torre also recognized Lam’s contributions to the district, particularly her support of students, programs, and key initiatives.
“Joanna has been a valued member of our Board and steadfast supporter of SMUSD students, programs, and priorities,” said de la Torre. “While we will miss her presence, I know her connection to our schools will continue. I look forward to seeing her at school events and continuing to be an active part of the San Marino school community.”
Lam will continue serving on the San Marino Unified School District Board of Education through the conclusion of her term in December 2026.