Lighthouse Community Public Schools
Lawrence Sao is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in project management, education, and research. Currently serving as Project and Operations Consultant at Stallings Networking Consulting, Lawrence focuses on optimizing freight management processes. As an Elementary School Teacher at Lighthouse Community Public Schools, significant improvements were made in 3rd-grade student pass rates through a streamlined curriculum. In addition, Lawrence founded and directs the San Francisco Urban Development Lab, promoting evidence-based policy to alleviate poverty through a multidisciplinary team. Previous roles include Project Director at Grio DaNang, Army Officer, and Head Teacher at Shanghai Experimental School, highlighting a robust background in leadership and education. Lawrence holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business/Managerial Economics and is pursuing multiple advanced degrees, including a Master's in Education and Curriculum and Instruction.
Lighthouse Community Public Schools
At Lighthouse Community Public Schools (LCPS), we believe an exceptional education brings out each child’s unique light and potential. Founded in 2002, LCPS operates two high-achieving K-12 public charter schools — Lighthouse and Lodestar — serving nearly 1,300 students in East Oakland. With a vision of transforming our community through creating a family of exceptional schools serving youth and families in Oakland, our mission is to prepare diverse students for college, a career of their choice, and to be lifelong changemakers. Grounded in our core values of community, integrity, agency, love, and social justice and rooted in the EL Education model, LCPS is a leader in fostering innovative schools achieving exceptional student outcomes where each child is at the center of their own learning. LCPS will continue to increase its impact as we grow to a third site, ultimately serving 2500 Oakland students and their families. LCPS exists to counter persistent educational inequity that threatens our collective future; a beacon for public education where each graduate fulfills the promise of a better, brighter Oakland.