Dr. Jen Fong to be Recommended as New Burlingame High School Principal

May 24, 2022 - San Mateo, Calif. - Dr. Jennifer (Jen) Fong will be recommended to the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees to serve as the new principal of Burlingame High School (BHS) at the June 9, 2022 Board meeting. With Board approval, starting July 1, 2022, Dr. Fong will become the new leader of BHS which serves approximately 1,500 students and their families. Dr. Fong will follow in the footsteps of Mr. Paul Belzer who served at the school as principal since 2016.

Dr. Fong has been in San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) since 1996 as a science teacher then an assistant principal at Mission High School and Abraham Lincoln High School. Dr. Fong then became the supervisor of English Learner Support Services at SFUSD. She has led the College and Career Readiness program for the past eight years. 

Dr. Fong earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Teaching from Yale University. She then earned a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, Policy and Analysis from Stanford University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of California, Berkeley. She is the recipient of numerous teaching honors and awards as well as the author of articles and other publications. At Yale, she played softball where she was recognized as an Academic All-American. She has coached baseball, softball, volleyball and basketball during her career. 

“I am honored to join the Burlingame High School community,” said Dr. Fong. “It is a privilege to work surrounded by high achievement, excellence and a caring environment.”

"Being a high school principal is one of the most demanding and rewarding jobs in education," states Dr. Kevin Skelly, Superintendent.  "I am delighted to recommend Dr. Fong for this position. She has the background and experiences to work with the Burlingame High School community to continue its tradition of excellence across so many dimensions. ”

More About SMUHSD

The San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) provides a distinctive high school and adult education to the residents of Foster City, San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae and San Bruno. Approximately 9,000 students attend six highly-rated comprehensive high schools, a special Middle College program in conjunction with the College of San Mateo, an alternative/continuation high school, and a robust Adult School Program. To learn more about the SMUHSD, visit www.smuhsd.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter