Margaret Brodkin's next move -- still working for kids, but where?

February 2, 7:11 PMSF Education ExaminerCaroline Grannan

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Mayor Gavin Newsom has removed Margaret Brodkin as head of the city's Department of Children, Youth and their Families, elevated her former deputy to interim department head, and shifted Brodkin to a role  running a project called the New Day for Learning Initiative.  It's a collaboration between the city and the school district, as well as community-based organizations, funded by the Mott Foundation, with rather vague specifics so far.

In a conspicuously petty move, Newsom's staffers have refused to give Brodkin a desk at which to do her new job -- she's on her own finding a place to work. 

Here, by the way, is Brodkin's own Jan. 28 letter announcing her removal from her former job..

Dearest Colleagues,

Although he has praised my service and called me a "superstar," Mayor Newsom has asked me to leave DCYF. Today will be my last day as Director. I am disappointed to be unable to complete the work that I have begun, but I leave behind a talented and dedicated DCYF staff, a broad network of wonderful partners, and many exciting projects in the works. I hope DCYF will continue to thrive.

Working in government is an awesome privilege and responsibility. I am grateful for having had this opportunity to serve. I have learned so much. There certainly have been times when I have wondered why we put so many requirements into the Children's Fund legislation! Who knew back then that I would some day have the responsibility of actually managing all that accountability and community outreach that I wrote as an advocate? In addition to all else, it's been great fun trying to live up to those standards and ensuring that the City Charter is followed.

Everyone who knows me knows how much I have loved leading this department for four years. Along with our community partners, the staff has been a family. I believe that together we have made DCYF a little gem of a department that is a model of productivity, creativity, and partnership among city agencies. I have especially loved cultivating a climate of collaboration between a city department and community organizations.

I have been extremely touched by the level of support for my leadership that has been expressed in recent weeks. I know I will always find a way to continue the important work of serving the children, youth, and families of this wonderful city. I will be staying with the administration as the Director of the New Day for Learning Initiative. This challenging project, aimed at galvanizing the entire city to create a more just and comprehensive educational system for young people, will allow me to build on work that I started at DCYF and continue so many of the relationships that I have developed over the past 30 years.

Let's stay in touch  as New Day for Learning ramps up. It's a great field that we have chosen. I have always said that the people who work with and for children are the best. Thank you so very, very much for making my tenure at DCYF so exciting and rewarding. You all rock!

Sincerely,

Margaret Brodkin, MSW

P.S. From the DCYF staff: As a reflection of Margaret's contributions at DCYF, we have featured links to 3 of her reports to the Mayor on our website:

DCYF by the Numbers

DCYF Annual Report 2008

DCYF Three Year Report, 2005–2007