The Two Bridges Demonstration District, or the Two Bridges Model District, as often referred to by the Two Bridges community, included P.S. 1, 2, 42, 126, and Junior High School 65, including around 5,000 students. Democratic processes within the Two Bridges Governing Council, which oversaw the local demonstration district, were quite robust. Materials related to elections—including by-law approvals and the election of local representatives—were distributed in Chinese, English, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for community members. Review these documents to gain insight into the demonstration district’s commitment to representation, equity, and participatory governance.
This photograph from the William Yukon Chang Papers at the Columbia Rare Manuscripts and Manuscripts Library captures William Chang engaging with parents as the Two Bridges Chinese Coordinator, circa 1967.
“Official Ballot for Two Bridges Model School District Governing Council,” distributed by the Honest Ballot Association, December 12, 1967 election.
Proposal for the creation of the Two Bridges Model District, providing the groundwork for its foundation on local representation, logistics, and general checks and balances.
“Making Decentralization Work,” in English, Spanish, and Chinese, by Bernice Young, Two Bridges Coordinator.
“Election Instructions for Candidates,” by John Bremer, Educational Director. Note efforts to ensure language access and equity, such as the presence of Spanish and Chinese interpreters at each polling place, selected by an outside organization, the Honest Ballot Association, to ensure due process.
“Las Elecciones del Distrito Escolar Modelo del Two Bridges Sobre los Reglamentos Propuestos y el Concilio Gubernamental,” in Spanish, by John Bremer, Educational Director.
“Instructions for Nominations to the Two Bridges Model School District Governing Council,” in English and Spanish, by John Bremer, Two Bridges Educational Director.
Notice from John Bremer, Educational Director, who provides election results... “If this is a sign of our commitment, we have nothing to fear in the future.”
In many schools within the Two Bridges Demonstration District, permanent trilingual welcome signs and newsletters were instated. Parents were encouraged to participate in all aspects of the school program including trips, lunch, gym, and more.
Some community members detailed their concerns with Community Control, questioning whether “non-professionals without college education would be able to properly run the schools.”