Board Members
The South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees works to:
(1) ensure all students learn, impact their communities, navigate life's opportunities, and thrive;
(2) enhance relationships with families, partner agencies, and other constituents for the benefit of all students; and
(3) ensure equity throughout the district by:
-raising academic achievement for all students;
-assuring fiscal responsibility and accountability;
-providing the facilities to ensure an environment for successful teaching and learning.
Patricia Murray, Board President
Ms. Murray (pmurray@ssfusd.org) was first elected to the SSFUSD Board of Trustees in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 and 2024. She currently serves as Board President, a role she has previously held.
Before joining the Board, Ms. Murray built a career in customer service management before dedicating herself full-time to her family and community. Her long history of service includes more than 20 years in PTA leadership, participation on school and city committees, and 15 years teaching religious education.
As a strong advocate for public education, Ms. Murray believes all students deserve access to opportunity, support, and a high-quality education. Her commitment to addressing challenges through thoughtful policy and community partnership inspired her to run for the Board.
Ms. Murray is a graduate of the California School Boards Association’s Masters in Governance program and continues to participate in leadership training and professional development.
She also represented the district on South San Francisco's General Plan Committee and the SSF Commission on Social and Racial Equity, helping advance initiatives that strengthened the community.
She currently serves on the Board-City Subcommittee and on the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Board of Directors. She previously served as a CSBA delegate and a San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA) area representative.
Her term expires in 2028.
Chialin Hsieh, Board Vice President
Dr. Hsieh (chsieh@ssfusd.org) was appointed to the Board in March 2021. As of December 2025, she is serving as Board Vice President.
Dr. Hsieh has worked in the field of education for over 20 years and is currently a Vice President of Instruction at Cañada College. She and her family have lived in South San Francisco for over a decade. Her son attended SSFUSD schools and graduated from El Camino High School (ECHS) in 2020.
Dr. Hsieh has been involved in school site councils at both Alta Loma Middle School and ECHS. She wants to use her enthusiasm for education and collaborative spirit to keep SSFUSD moving forward in service of our students. She is a graduate of the California School Board Association's Masters in Governance program.
Her term expires in 2026.
Amy Lam, Board Clerk
Ms. Lam (alam@ssfusd.org) was elected to the Board in November 2024. She is a graphic designer who has supported the educational missions of museums and non-profits for over two decades.
Since 2019, Ms. Lam has worked as a Senior Graphic Designer at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, supporting its mission to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide. She previously worked for the Chinese Historical Society of America and the exhibit design firm Gordon Chun Design.
Ms. Lam attended public schools in Dublin, California. She graduated from college in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design jointly conferred by the University of San Francisco and the California College of the Arts.
Ms. Lam and her husband Mark Nagales (South San Francisco Vice Mayor - District 2) have two children who attend SSFUSD public schools.
Her term expires in 2028.
Amanda Anthony, Board Member
Ms. Anthony (aanthony@ssfusd.org) was elected to the Board in November 2022. During her time on the Board, she has served as President and Vice President.
She previously worked as a performance management consultant for Chicago Public Schools from 2008-2011, analyzing data to improve program effectiveness. She taught English as a second language in Poland from 2011-2015 and ran her own business from 2015-2020. She has also worked as a program manager at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, which helps individuals open small businesses to achieve financial self-sufficiency. Currently, she is serving as the Economic Development Manager for Redwood City.
Ms. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Purdue University, in addition to a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. Ms. Anthony is a graduate of the California School Board Association's Masters in Governance program.
Her term expires in 2026.
Mina Richardson, Board Member
Mrs. Richardson (mrichardson@ssfusd.org) was elected to the Board in November 2018 and re-elected in 2022. In her time on the Board, she has served as Board Vice President and Clerk. Mrs. Richardson has been a resident of South San Francisco for over 40 years and is the mother of three sons who attended SSFUSD schools.
Mrs. Richardson majored in Music at Sacramento State University and had a career as an Allied Health imaging professional. She was a member of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder and has also worked as a fundraiser for the Child Care Center in Westborough Park.
She is a bilingual community activist whose goal is to promote SSFUSD's excellent schools and programs to the South San Francisco community. She is a graduate of the California School Board Association's Masters in Governance program.
Her term expires in 2026.