A Message from the Gateway Public Schools Executive Director
Dear Gateway Community,
It is with a full heart I share, I will be departing from Gateway Public Schools to pursue new leadership opportunities. Telling you this is one of the most bittersweet things I have ever had to write, because what we have built together here, and what you all mean to me, is something I will carry for the rest of my life.
I came to Gateway a little over two years ago with a deep respect for what this organization has already built over more than two decades, and I leave with even deeper respect for the people who make it what it is every single day. To lead Gateway has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. You trusted me with something precious: your children, your school, your community. I have never taken this lightly, not for one single day.
I am so proud of what we have accomplished in the time we have shared. We deepened our commitment to teaching and learning excellence. We made real measurable progress towards equity for every student. We opened new doors for young people, pathways into careers, into college, and into futures in which they can see themselves. We planned together, dreamed together, and invested in the kind of school Gateway is and aspires to be. None of that happened because of one person, but because of ALL OF US.
We are now more woven into the fabric of this community and San Francisco. Gateway is now a valued part of city conversations, community partnerships, and neighborhood relationships that reflect who we truly are — schools rooted in the Fillmore, committed to our city, and dedicated to the young people who will shape its future.
We navigated hard times together too. We grieved together, we made difficult decisions together with care and transparency. Through all of it, I watched this community show up for one another with extraordinary grace. That is not something any leader creates, it is something that exists within the community itself. I was fortunate to be here to witness it.
Gateway has left an indelible mark on my heart. The students who came to my office every day to grab a snack, talk about their progress, or even to share their dreams. The teachers and staff who gave everything they had every single day and held this organization together through every challenge. The families who trusted us with what matters most to them. I will think of you often, and root for you always.
Gateway has great days ahead. The foundation is strong. The mission is clear. The community is extraordinary. I leave knowing the work we started together will continue, and the students at the center of everything will be well served.
It has truly been the privilege of a lifetime.
With profound gratitude and enduring love for this amazing community,
Dr. Alicia Montgomery
Executive Director, Gateway Public Schools
2024–2026
A Message from the Gateway Public Schools Board of Trustees
Dear Gateway Community,
We are writing to share an important update about our leadership team.
After several years of dedicated service to Gateway Public Schools, Executive Director Dr. Alicia Montgomery is stepping down to pursue new leadership opportunities. During her tenure, Alicia made meaningful contributions that will have a lasting impact on our schools and our entire community. She led Gateway through a comprehensive strategic planning process and the implementation of that plan will guide us through the next 5 years. She brought sustained focus and energy to closing the achievement gap for our students. And she built a vibrant community by forging partnerships with organizations beyond our walls that have strengthened Gateway in lasting ways. We are grateful for everything she brought to this work, and we wish her every success in what comes next.
Effective June 30, 2026, Aaron Watson will serve as Acting Executive Director of Gateway Public Schools. Aaron’s connection to Gateway runs deep - he joined Gateway 21 years ago as a classroom teacher, grew into the role of founding principal of Gateway Middle School, and has most recently served as Chief of Programs and Schools, working closely in partnership with Alicia over these last two years. Few people know our students, our staff, and our mission as well as Aaron does. He has been a steady and trusted presence through many chapters of this organization’s history, and the Board has full confidence in his leadership during this transition.
In the meantime, our summer work continues in earnest. After summer break, staff will engage in professional development, welcome new faculty and staff to the Gateway community, and begin preparing for the start of the new school year. The entire team continues to be fully dedicated to our mission of serving our students and our community.
The Board and leadership team are focused on one thing for the coming school year: maintaining the quality and consistency of the experience for our students and families while we thoughtfully plan for the future of Gateway’s leadership. We will come back to the community with more information as those plans develop.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sapna Boze or Kevin Rafter, our board co-chairs at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued trust in Gateway Public Schools,
Kevin Rafter and Sapna Boze
2025–2026 Board Co-Chairs
TaSheena Braxton
Incoming 2026–2027 Board Chair
On behalf of the Gateway Public Schools Board of Trustees