This month Darlene Martin retires as Starr King Elementary School principal, a position she held since 2016. From 2015 to 2016 Martin served as principal at International Studies Academy, a San Francisco Unified School District public charter high school. She was previously ISA’s assistant principal. Between 1992 and 1996, she taught at James Lick Middle School.
“When I came to Starr King, I met parents who had been my students at James Lick,” said Martin.
According to Martin, Starr King Elementary School staff work hard; parents contribute to keeping the school beautiful and stable.
“The parents, staff and I worked over several years to figure out how to integrate our English and Mandarin programs. In 2024, we received the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Honor Roll and the inaugural Salesforce and Golden State Warriors Foundation Golden Icon “Champions of Education”…a testament to the work the community has been able to do together,” said Martin.
She added that Starr King, with its many programs, has a complex and challenging environment.
“We have incredibly dedicated families and staff…have been able to create a strong and inclusive environment based on peace and learning,” said Martin.
Martin enjoyed talking to students about their assessment scores during recess and study periods.
“They always seem surprised that I know them that well,” said Martin.
Martin also cherished sharing her memories of “rising” sixth grade students from their Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through fifth grade years.
“I will miss not being able to share the stories I already have saved for our current TK to fourth grade students,” said Martin.
Jessica Agnos, Starr King’s Community Schools Coordinator, said Martin was a wonderful community leader, with a significant positive impact.
“I’m very grateful for the time my kids had with her as principal of Starr King and the time I’ve been able to spend working with her. While she will be missed, we will honor her by building upon all the work she has done over her tenure. We all wish her the best in her next chapter,” said Agnos.
The school community is particularly appreciative that Martin was present to guide students, parents, teachers, and staff through COVID and district funding cuts, said Emily Wang, a Parent-Teacher Association member and Potrero Hill resident who has two children at Starr King.
“When Ms. Martin holds meetings at the school, she brings us all together. She’s very level and diplomatic. She’s willing to listen to everything,” said Wang.
Wang admires how last year Martin stepped in to teach special education students. She’s glad that Martin regularly supervised students at lunch alongside yard duties.
“One more thing we’re grateful for is that she let us know about her retirement early. That helps us begin our transition ahead of summer. That action shows she’s still thinking of the students. She’s done so much to serve this school,” said Wang.
Tamala Motta 
Danny Pham