MORGAN FINLAY
for Brisbane School Board Trustee
Excellent schools. Thoughtful leadership. A community where every student thrives.
About Morgan
I am a parent, education and nonprofit leader, and Trustee of the Brisbane School District Board. A district resident since 2020, I live in Southern Hills and am a proud Panorama Elementary parent. I was grateful to join the Board in June 2026, where I was appointed to fill a vacancy. Before joining the Board in June 2026, I served on Panorama’s School Site Council, where I worked with school leadership and families, advising on academic progress and needs or our students.
I have spent my career working to improve outcomes and experiences for young people and communities. A trained social worker with an MSW from Columbia University, I have worked as a middle school social worker, youth behavioral health specialist, education researcher, evaluator and organizational leader.
Today, I help nonprofits and foundations use data and insights to develop effective strategies, understand their impact, make better decisions, and remain accountable to the communities they serve.
I bring that same approach to the School Board: ask good questions, listen carefully, look closely at the evidence, and keep students at the center of decisions.
I am committed to continue representing the entire Brisbane School District and ensuring that our schools continue to serve and support children as they learn as they grow.
Commitments
Excellent Schools for Every Student
Informed & Responsive Leadership
Ensuring every student has high quality learning opportunities and supports to grow personally and academically.
Providing leadership that listens to the community and makes decisions based on transparency, data, and student outcomes.
Responsible Stewardship
A Connected Community
Approach budget and long-term planning with fiscal responsibility, transparency and a commitment to making the most of the resources we invest in our students.
Lean in on one of our greatest strengths, cultivating connection and belonging across our District's small, close-knit school communities.
Endorsements
"I had the privilege of serving alongside Morgan Finlay on Panorama’s School Site Council, where she served as president. She is organized, proactive, and an excellent problem solver who knows how to turn data into meaningful action. Most importantly, she listens, brings people together, and keeps the needs of the entire school community at the heart of the SSC’s decisions. I’ve seen her leadership firsthand, and I’m proud to support her for the Brisbane School Board"
Minjung Hong, Panorama Parent
"Morgan genuinely believes in the power of community. She shows up, listens, and makes an effort to understand the experiences of families across our district. She values what makes our small school community special and is committed to making sure every student and family feels connected, heard, and supported.”
Raul Alcaraz, Past Brisbane School Board Trustee
Minjung Hong - Panorama Parent
June Heavner - Lipman and BES Parent
Raul Alcaraz - Past Brisbane School Board Trustee
Karen Lentz - Brisbane School Board Trustee
Krystal & Alex Alcaraz - Panorama Parents
Ariadne Vlahakis - Panorama Parent
Jessica & David Gonzales - Panorama Parents
Karen Barrett - Panorama Parent
David Canepa - District 5 Supervisor
Academic Success
Our district has much to be proud of, with many students surpassing state benchmarks in English Language Arts and math and reporting a strong sense of safety at school. But those outcomes are not consistent: meaningful groups of students are still struggling to meet those same benchmarks or do not share that same sense of safety. I want us to look closely at student growth and outcomes, use data to guide our decisions, and ensure every student is both supported and challenged to reach their potential.
Socio-Emotional Wellbeing
Academic success is only one part of preparing our children for what comes next. Our schools are integral to helping students build their confidence, resilience, and feel a sense of belonging. Our campuses must be places where every student feels safe, supported and seen.
Financial Sustainability
Strong schools depend on responsible, long-term financial planning. We need to look beyond a single budget year—maintaining healthy reserves, planning for the eventual expiration of our parcel taxes, and projecting five and ten years ahead so that the programs we invest in today are sustainable over time. Our resources should be aligned with our priorities for students, with a clear understanding of both what those investments accomplish today and what it will take to sustain them for the future.
Transparency & Accountability
Families should understand the decisions being made by the Board, the information behind those decisions, and how they can make their voices heard. I believe in clear communication, meaningful community engagement, and using measurable outcomes to understand whether the programs and investments we make are actually working for our students.
Technology in the Classroom
I support the cross-district teams of teachers and staff who are taking a careful, research-informed look at how technology is used in our classrooms. These are big questions, and we should approach them with balance—looking at data and student learning, mindful of screen time, and also preparing students to use technology and AI safely and responsibly.
Issues & Positions