Our Kids Can’t Wait. Their Future is Now.

Who’s Reichi Lee?

I’m a 20-year Berkeley resident and parent of two BUSD students in 8th and 10th grades. Recently I co-founded Berkeley Unplugged, a parent-led effort to help families navigate device use at school and at home. Our advocacy has led to the district turning off recreational YouTube in K-8. But much more remains to be done.

I ran for School Board in 2022 on a Kids First platform, earning 21,000 votes and coming within 1% of winning a seat. Currently, I serve as Berkeley High PTSA President and am a digital wellness educator. I was a former children’s attorney and law professor directing academic success programs.

What are your priorities?

My priority is the kids. If elected, I will give students and parents a voice on the Board, and will immediately focus on the following:

Distraction-Free Learning Environment. Restrict personal devices and eliminate cloud gaming and other non-educational screen use at school so students can learn without distraction.

Pause Student-Facing AI. Enact an immediate moratorium on student-facing generative AI until the district adopts clear, age-appropriate policies that protect learning, student safety, and privacy.

Better Math Outcomes for Every Student. Prioritize rigorous, evidence-based math curriculum and instruction for K-12, including targeted interventions and advancement opportunities.

What’s the urgency? Just wait for the next election.

AI and technology aren’t waiting, and neither can we. Our kids only get one childhood and one chance at a K–12 education. How they learn today will impact who they become tomorrow.

For months, parents and community members have been sounding the alarm and urging the School Board to act on a number of critical issues. Students are telling us that AI is undermining their learning. Parents are reporting that their children are being exposed to harmful content on school devices during the school day.

Beyond technology, parents have unaddressed concerns about school safety, transportation and aftercare. Yet the Board’s response has been frustratingly slow and reactive. In some cases, decisions have been repeatedly delayed, with no clear timeline or process to get things done.

We need a School Board that listens when students speak up, responds promptly when parents sound the alarm, and takes decisive action instead of allowing problems to persist. Our kids and teachers can’t afford to wait years for solutions that are needed right now. Every day is critical. No more business as usual!

I agree. But why are you entering the race so late?

A few months ago, I was a finalist for a provisional School Board appointment to fill a spot on the Board following a Board member’s resignation. I ultimately was not selected by the Board, despite strong community support. The Board’s interview and decision was made after the November election filing deadline had passed, foreclosing any opportunity of running in the regular election.

Now, with just three candidates for three open seats, the November school board election is uncontested. This week, I took steps to qualify as a write-in candidate, adding a choice to the ballot.

What does “Write In Reichi Lee” mean for voters filling out the ballot?

If Berkeley voters choose to vote for me, they should write in “Reichi Lee” above the line that says “Write-In / Por Escrito” in the School Directors section of the ballot and bubble in the circle next to it.

For questions or comments, please email: reichi@reichilee.com.